Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant heart of West Africa with the authentic flavors of Côte d'Ivoire's Kedjenou. This traditional dish embodies the rich cultural tapestry and culinary heritage of the region, offering a tantalizing blend of aromatic spices, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables. Kedjenou is not merely a meal but a celebration of community, where friends and family gather around a simmering pot, sharing stories and laughter as the flavors meld together to create a symphony for the senses.

In this recipe, we'll explore the essence of Kedjenou, capturing the essence of Ivorian cuisine and bringing the warmth of West Africa into your kitchen. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the art of slow cooking, get ready to experience the soulful essence of Côte d'Ivoire through this beloved culinary delight. So, let's dive in and discover the magic of Kedjenou – a dish that nourishes both body and spirit.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of chicken, goat, or fish (cut into pieces)
• 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
• 2 hot chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

2- Add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and hot chili peppers to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3- Stir in the tomato paste, grated ginger, thyme, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4- Add the pieces of chicken, goat, or fish to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.

5- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the meat is mostly submerged in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the Kedjenou simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The meat should become tender and flavorful, and the sauce should thicken.

7- Once the meat is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8- Serve the Côte d'Ivoire Kedjenou hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, couscous, or traditional Ivorian attiéké (fermented cassava couscous).

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Ivorian dish, perfect for bringing a taste of West Africa to your table!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in the Côte d'Ivoire Kedjenou recipe:

Chicken (1 kg):

• Calories: 2150 kcal
• Protein: 240 g
• Fat: 125 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
• Supports bone health and provides energy.

Tomatoes (3 large):

• Calories: 75 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 5 g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
• Contains potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and heart health.

Onions (2 medium):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Known for its immune-boosting properties and ability to fight common illnesses.
• Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin.
• May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Bell peppers (2 medium):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• Contains vitamin A, which promotes eye health and vision.

Hot chili peppers (2):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• May reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
• Contains vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

Tomato paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits:

• Concentrated source of lycopene, which has antioxidant properties.
• Provides a rich tomato flavor to dishes without excess liquid.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, potassium, and iron.

Olive oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Contains oleic acid, which may improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar control.

Grated ginger (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may benefit digestion and reduce muscle pain.
• Contains gingerol, which has been studied for its potential anti-nausea effects.
• May help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and ingredient sizes.