Dovi (Peanut Butter Stew)
Submitted by terrykt
Traditional African chicken stew thickened with creamy peanut butter, loaded with tomatoes and bell peppers, served with peanut-tossed spinach for an authentic one-pot meal.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
15 minCOOK
35 minREADY
1 hrsDovi is Zimbabwe’s answer to comfort in a bowl, where peanut butter transforms from sandwich spread into the soul of a rich, savory stew.
Browned chicken pieces simmer with mashed tomatoes and a chile kick, then get enriched with smooth peanut butter that melts into the broth to create an impossibly creamy sauce.
The genius move is steaming fresh spinach separately and tossing it with the remaining peanut butter to serve alongside, giving you two textures and temperatures in one meal.
This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like something magical is happening, and it absolutely is.
Pro Tips
- Brown the chicken pieces well on all sides for deeper flavor
- Mash the tomatoes with a fork before adding for a thicker sauce base
- Thin the peanut butter with hot broth first so it blends smoothly without clumping
- Add only half the peanut butter to the stew, saving the rest for the spinach
- Steam spinach in its own clinging water for the most tender greens
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets and vegetable broth
- Adjust the heat: Use mild peppers for family-friendly or add extra chiles for serious spice
- Serve it traditional: Pair with sadza (cornmeal porridge) or rice for an authentic experience
Ingredients
Directions
Melt butter in a large stew pot over moderate heat; add onions, sauté until golden brown.
Add garlic, salt, pepper and hot pepper. Stir-fry 2 or 3 minutes; add chicken and bell peppers.
Fry stirring occasionally, until chicken browns on all sides.
Mash tomatoes with a fork an mix them into the stew, along with the water.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes.
Thin the peanut butter with a few tablespoons of hot broth from the pot.
Add half of the peanut paste to the stew; continue simmering until chicken is well done. Wash spinach.
Place in a pot, cover, and steam (the water clinging to the leaves is sufficient for steaming) until tender.
Drain and combine with remaining peanut paste.
Serve greens with the stew.
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