Nigerian Style Chicken or Turkey Stew Recipe

Nigerian Style Chicken or Turkey Stew Recipe

Nigerian Rice and stew is a popular dish, often enjoyed with a classic combination of rice, chicken stew, and plantain.

This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful and tender chicken or turkey stew, a staple in Nigerian cuisine.

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Ingredients

• 12 turkey pieces (halved if preferred) or 20 chicken pieces
• 6 cups Nigerian stew base
• 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
• 1.5 cups vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste
• 4 Knorr cubes
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • Season the turkey or chicken with salt, white pepper, and 2 Knorr cubes.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked.
2. Prepare the Stew:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the halved onion and fry for 2-3 minutes, then discard the onion.
   • Pour in the Nigerian stew base and fry for 5 minutes, allowing it to cook.
3. Cooking Process:
   • Add seasonings (thyme, curry, ginger powder, white pepper) and 2-3 cups of water to the stew base. Adjust water based on desired thickness.
   • Introduce the baked turkey or chicken into the pot and reduce heat to medium-low.
   • Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld. Skim off any excess oil that rises to the surface.
4. Serving:
   • Serve the stew with your preferred side dish. Warm agege bread is a highly recommended accompaniment.

Nigerian Stew Base Recipe (Optional)

For those who want to make their own stew base from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:

• ¼-1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 pounds chicken cut in pieces
• 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1 28 oz can whole peeled plum tomatoes, discard the liquid
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 habanero peppers
• 1 medium onion sliced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 Tablespoon Nigerian red pepper (or Cameroonian red pepper)
• 1 teaspoon Accent
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• Water as needed

Instructions for the Stew Base

1. Blend the tomatoes, habanero peppers, and red bell peppers in a blender until pureed.
2. In a large pot, heat up the vegetable oil and add the sliced onions. Fry until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the tomato mixture and fry for about 25 minutes until the mixture reduces in size, turns a deep red, and the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes. Stir continuously to prevent burning at the bottom.
4. Add the tomato paste and fry for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Add the chicken stock and seasonings (dried thyme, red pepper, Accent, bouillon cube, and bay leaf). Stir together and add more water if needed. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes.

This Nigerian Style Chicken or Turkey Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides.

The secret to great stewed meat lies in the multi-step cooking process, which ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful.

Conclusion

This Nigerian Style Chicken or Turkey Stew recipe offers a delicious and aromatic dish that pairs well with rice, plantains, or bread.

By following the multi-step cooking process and incorporating traditional Nigerian flavors, you can enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal reminiscent of Nigerian culinary traditions.