Discover the rich flavors of Kedjenou, a traditional West African chicken stew slow-cooked with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a savory sauce that's perfect for family dinners. Follow our step-by-step recipe to bring this delicious and comforting meal to your table.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced

- 3 tomatoes, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1 bay leaf

- 2 cups chicken broth

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 cups carrots, sliced

- 2 cups potatoes, diced

- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.

Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Brown Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. Stir well to combine with the chicken and spices.

Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are covered. Bring to a simmer.

Slow Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Serve: Serve the Kedjenou hot with rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting stew!

Feel free to adjust the spices and vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Nutritional Values: 

Chicken:

 - Calories: 335 per 100 grams (cooked)

 - Protein: 25 grams

 - Fat: 25 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Benefits: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It's also rich in vitamins like B6 and niacin, which help with energy production and metabolism.

Vegetable Oil: 

 - Calories: 120 per tablespoon

 - Fat: 14 grams (mostly unsaturated fats)

Benefits: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It's a source of healthy fats that can support heart health when used in moderation.

Onion: 

 - Calories: 40 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

 - Fiber: 1.7 grams

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and contain compounds that can reduce inflammation and support heart health. They also have prebiotic fibers that promote gut health.

Bell Peppers: 

 - Calories: 31 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.3 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 6 grams

 - Fiber: 2.1 grams

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, which boost immune function and skin health. They also contain antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress.

Tomatoes: 

 - Calories: 18 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

 - Fiber: 1.2 grams

Benefits: Rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which may lower the risk of certain chronic diseases and support heart health.

Garlic: 

 - Calories: 149 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 33 grams

 - Fiber: 2.1 grams

Benefits: Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. It can support heart health and boost the immune system.

Ginger: 

 - Calories: 80 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 1.8 grams

 - Fat: 0.8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

Benefits: Known for its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects. It can aid digestion and help reduce muscle pain and soreness.

Ground Cumin: 

 - Calories: 375 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 18 grams

 - Fat: 22 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 44 grams

 - Fiber: 11 grams

Benefits: Rich in iron, which supports healthy blood cells. Cumin also has antioxidant properties and can aid digestion.

Paprika: 

 - Calories: 282 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 14 grams

 - Fat: 12 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 54 grams

 - Fiber: 34 grams

Benefits: Contains vitamins A and E, which support eye health and skin health. It also has antioxidant properties.

Turmeric: 

 - Calories: 354 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 8 grams

 - Fat: 10 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 65 grams

 - Fiber: 22 grams

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may improve brain function and support joint health.

Ground Coriander: 

 - Calories: 298 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 12 grams

 - Fat: 17 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 55 grams

 - Fiber: 41 grams

Benefits: Supports digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium.

Dried Thyme: 

 - Calories: 101 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 5 grams

 - Fat: 1.7 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 24 grams

 - Fiber: 13 grams

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that can help with respiratory health. Thyme also has antimicrobial properties.

Bay Leaf: 

 - Calories: 313 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 7 grams

 - Fat: 8 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 75 grams

 - Fiber: 26 grams

Benefits: Used for its digestive properties and may help with respiratory health. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Chicken Broth: 

 - Calories: 15 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams

Benefits: Provides hydration and can be a source of essential minerals. It also enhances the flavor of dishes without adding many calories.

Carrots: 

 - Calories: 41 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 0.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Fiber: 2.8 grams

Benefits: High in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are important for vision and immune function. Carrots also provide dietary fiber.

Potatoes: 

 - Calories: 77 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 17 grams

 - Fiber: 2.2 grams

Benefits: A good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Potatoes can provide energy and help with digestion.

Fresh Cilantro (optional): 

 - Calories: 23 per 100 grams

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.5 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 3.7 grams

 - Fiber: 2.8 grams

Benefits: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can support digestion and detoxification.

These ingredients collectively make Kedjenou a nutritious and flavorful stew, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds.