jannababe
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Gambian Domoda, and it was a heartwarming and flavorful experience! This traditional Gambian peanut stew features a rich and creamy sauce made from ground peanuts, vegetables, and tender meat, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing. Here’s how you can make this delicious dish at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken, beef, or lamb, cut into pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1-2 carrots, sliced
- 1-2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1-2 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons chili powder or fresh chili for spice
- For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 cup water (or more, as needed)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the peanut butter with 1 cup of water until smooth. Set aside. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water later if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat:
- Add the meat pieces to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, and potatoes. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
5. Combine with Peanut Sauce:
- Pour in the peanut sauce and stir everything together. Add water or broth to achieve your desired consistency; the stew should be thick but pourable.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally and add more water if the stew thickens too much.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicy, you can add chili powder or fresh chilies at this stage.
- Serve the Domoda hot over steamed rice, couscous, or with flatbreads, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the grains.
Conclusion
Gambian Domoda is a delicious and hearty dish that showcases the incredible flavors of West African cuisine. The creamy peanut sauce combined with tender meat and vegetables makes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of Gambia right at your table!
