Dovi (Peanut Butter): Traditional Zimbabwean Dish Also Known as Dakataka

Dovi, also known as Dakataka, is a classic Zimbabwean dish that combines the rich flavors of peanuts with tender chicken to create a creamy, flavorful stew. The dish reflects the importance of peanuts, a staple crop in Zimbabwean cuisine, which are typically roasted and ground into a smooth peanut butter used in various savory recipes. Dovi is traditionally served over rice or with sadza (a maize-based dish), and its creamy texture paired with spices makes it a comforting and nourishing meal enjoyed across the country.

Dovi has deep roots in Zimbabwe’s culinary history, with peanuts introduced to Africa from South America through Portuguese traders in the 16th century. Peanuts quickly became a valuable crop, and peanut butter found its way into various African cuisines. In Zimbabwe, Dovi represents the fusion of indigenous cooking methods with new ingredients, where locals developed this rich stew by incorporating peanuts with vegetables, meats, and spices. The dish, now a beloved comfort food, is frequently enjoyed at family gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients:

- 500 grams chicken, cut into small pieces

- 1 cup vegetable oil

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon mixed spices

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/2 cup peanut butter

- Salt to taste

- Water as needed

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

 Preparation:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until golden brown.

3. Add chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked and golden brown.

4. Add mixed spices and black pepper, mix well.

5. Stir in soy sauce and peanut butter, mix with the chicken.

6. Add water as needed to create a thick sauce.

7. Add tomato paste and mix well.

8. Simmer the dish on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the flavors blend and the meat absorbs the sauce.

9. Serve the delicious Zimbabwean Dovi with cooked rice.

In Zimbabwean cuisine, Dovi is commonly used as a flavorful base in various dishes, such as sauces, meats, vegetables, pumpkins, and rice, adding a unique nutty richness. Additionally, Dovi is traditionally served or mixed in a calabash with a wide mouth, enhancing the cultural experience of enjoying this delicious peanut butter-based dish.

Nutrition Value:

1. Chicken (500 grams, cut into small pieces):

  - Calories: Approximately 1090 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 135 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 59 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 220 mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 400 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

   - Niacin: Supports energy production and healthy skin.

   - Phosphorus: Important for bone health and energy metabolism.

   - Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function.

   - Vitamin B6: Helps in the production of neurotransmitters and red blood cells.

2. Vegetable oil (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 1927 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 218 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Healthy fats: Provides essential fatty acids for cell function and nutrient absorption.

   - Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function and skin health.

3. Onion (1 medium, chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 5 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and collagen production.

   - Vitamin B6: Supports brain function and red blood cell production.

   - Manganese: Important for bone health and metabolism.

4. Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: Approximately 13 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Allicin: Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties.

   - Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and collagen production.

   - Vitamin B6: Supports brain function and red blood cell production.

   - Manganese: Important for bone health and metabolism.

   - Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and supports thyroid function.

5. Mixed spices (1 teaspoon):

  - Nutritional values vary based on ingredients; typically low in calories and high in flavor.

6. Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Manganese: Supports bone health and metabolism.

   - Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.

   - Iron: Supports red blood cell production.

7. Soy sauce (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 109 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 9 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 6 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 5300 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood.

   - Potassium: Important for heart health and muscle function.

   - B Vitamins: Supports energy production and metabolism.

8. Peanut butter (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 760 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 24 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 30 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 64 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 300 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function.

   - Niacin: Supports energy production and healthy skin.

   - Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function.

   - Phosphorus: Supports bone health and energy metabolism.

9. Salt (to taste):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Iodine (if iodized salt): Supports thyroid function and hormone production.

10. Water (as needed):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Essential for hydration and bodily functions.

11. Tomato paste (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 7 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 20 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Nutritional Benefits:

   - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and collagen production.

   - Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.

   - Potassium: Supports heart health and muscle function.

   - B Vitamins: Supports energy production and metabolism.

These nutritional benefits highlight the importance of a balanced diet and the variety of nutrients provided by different ingredients.