Gabon’s culinary heritage is rich and diverse, blending traditional African flavours with influences from French cuisine. One of the most cherished dishes in Gabonese households is Mouamba Chicken, a hearty and flavourful stew made with chicken, palm nut cream, and various spices. This dish, often enjoyed with rice or plantains, offers a taste of Gabon’s vibrant culture. Here’s how you can bring this delicious Gabonese delight to your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)

1 large onion (chopped)

4 garlic cloves (minced)

2 tomatoes (chopped)

1 cup palm nut cream (or substitute with coconut milk if unavailable)

2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)

1-2 hot chilli peppers (optional, chopped)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Cooked rice or boiled plantains for serving

 

Instructions

 

Prepare The Chicken

Clean and season the chicken.

Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Cook The Aromatics

Sauté the onions and garlic.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.

 

Add The Chicken

Brown the chicken.

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides. This helps to lock in the flavours.

 

Add the Tomatoes And Broth

Incorporate the tomatoes.

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.

Add the broth.

Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken is covered. Bring to a simmer.

 

Add The Palm Nut Cream

Stir in the palm nut cream.

Add the palm nut cream (or coconut milk) to the pot, stirring well to combine. If you’re using peanut butter, add it at this stage as well.

 

Season And Simmer

Season the stew.

Add the chopped chilli peppers for some heat (optional) and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

 

Simmer the stew.

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Keep in mind that while preparing the stew, you can also let your rice boil or boil some plantains if that works for you.

Remove the pot from the heat once the chicken is tender, and the flavours have melded together.

Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

Serve the Mouamba Chicken hot, accompanied by rice or plantains, and enjoy the taste of Gabon.

Mouamba Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that showcases the rich flavours of Gabonese cuisine. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy palm nut sauce, and vibrant spices makes it a true culinary delight. This recipe offers a taste of Gabon and brings a piece of African heritage to your table. Enjoy this flavourful stew with family and friends, and savour the essence of Gabon in every bite.

 

Johnson Chukwueke
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