Welcome to a culinary journey through the heart of Chad, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly to create a tapestry of rich flavors and vibrant dishes. Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa, boasts a diverse culinary heritage influenced by the indigenous Djerma people, as well as neighboring communities.

In this recipe, we'll explore the essence of Chad Djerma cuisine, characterized by its bold use of spices, hearty ingredients, and communal dining traditions. Drawing inspiration from the land's bounty and cultural tapestry, we'll embark on a gastronomic adventure to create a dish that encapsulates the essence of Chad's culinary identity.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of flavors as we delve into the art of Chad Djerma cooking. From the bustling markets of N'Djamena to the tranquil villages dotting the landscape, each bite tells a story of heritage, resilience, and culinary creativity. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the warmth and hospitality of Chad through its irresistible cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lamb, cubed (can substitute with beef or chicken)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups water or beef/chicken broth
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the cubed lamb to the pot and brown on all sides, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes.

3- Once the lamb is browned, add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine with the lamb and onions.

4- Sprinkle the ground cloves, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the pot. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.

5- Pour the water or broth into the pot, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.

6- Simmer the stew gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, stirring occasionally.

7- Once the stew is cooked to perfection, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.

8- Serve the Chad Djerma Lamb Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal that celebrates the culinary traditions of Chad.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Chad Djerma Lamb Stew recipe:

1 lb lamb, cubed:

• Calories: 1020 kcal
• Protein: 82g
• Fat: 74g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (such as B vitamins) and minerals (including iron and zinc), which are important for muscle health, immune function, and overall well-being.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g

benefits: Contains healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health, provide energy, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E.

1 onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin C and B vitamins), and minerals (like potassium and manganese), onions may help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and promote heart health.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits: Known for its medicinal properties, garlic is a good source of sulfur compounds that may have antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects, as well as potential benefits for heart health and blood pressure regulation.

2 tomatoes, diced:

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

benefits: Packed with vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin K), antioxidants (such as lycopene), and minerals (like potassium), tomatoes are known to promote skin health, support vision, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

2 carrots, peeled and sliced:

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits: Loaded with beta-carotene, fiber, vitamins (including vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin B6), and minerals (such as potassium and biotin), carrots are beneficial for eye health, immune function, digestion, and skin health.

2 potatoes, peeled and diced:

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits: A good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (like vitamin C and vitamin B6), and minerals (including potassium and manganese), potatoes provide energy, support nerve function, and aid in muscle function and recovery.

1 bell pepper, chopped:

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits: High in vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants (such as beta-carotene), and fiber, bell peppers contribute to immune health, skin health, vision, and digestive health.

1 teaspoon ground cloves:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and essential oils with potential anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive benefits, as well as providing flavor and aroma to dishes.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and provide antimicrobial effects, among other potential health benefits.

Salt and pepper to taste:

• Negligible caloric value

3 cups water or beef/chicken broth:

• Negligible caloric value

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional):

• Negligible caloric value

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients and cooking methods.