Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Africa with our recipe for Chad Koko Na Nyama. This hearty and comforting dish is a celebration of traditional African cuisine, known for its rich combination of spices, tender meat, and wholesome grains. Originating from the Chadian region, Chad Koko Na Nyama encapsulates the essence of communal dining and the warmth of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of creating this flavorful masterpiece, highlighting the unique ingredients and techniques that make Chad Koko Na Nyama a beloved staple in African households. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking to expand your culinary repertoire or an adventurous home cook eager to explore new tastes, this dish promises to delight your palate and transport you to the heart of Africa with every savory bite. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary adventure together, discovering the soulful flavors of Chad Koko Na Nyama.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef or goat meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 cup chopped okra
• 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

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

2- Add the cubed meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

3- Stir in the diced tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, and okra. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

4- Add the Scotch bonnet peppers (whole or chopped, depending on how spicy you want the soup), ground ginger, ground garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the ingredients with the spices.

5- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are submerged. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

6- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup.

7- Once the soup is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Serve hot with your favorite bread or rice for a satisfying and spicy African meal. Enjoy your Chad Koko Na Nyama!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Beef or Goat Meat (500g cubed):

• Calories: 1125 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 75g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, essential for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g

benefits: Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Onion (1 large, chopped):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, onions may help boost immunity, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote digestive health.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

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

benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects.

Tomatoes (2, diced):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g

benefits: Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes support heart health, bone health, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Green Bell Peppers (2, diced):

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

benefits: High in vitamin C and other antioxidants, green bell peppers support immune function, eye health, and may help lower the risk of age-related diseases.

Red Bell Peppers (2, diced):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits: Similar to green bell peppers, red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, with added benefits for skin health and inflammation reduction.

Carrots (2, diced):

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

benefits: A great source of beta-carotene, carrots promote eye health, boost immunity, and may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Potatoes (2, diced):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g

benefits: Provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, potatoes support digestion, muscle function, and overall well-being.

Okra (1 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g

benefits: Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants, okra supports digestive health, blood sugar control, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Scotch Bonnet Peppers (2-3, adjust according to spice preference):

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

benefits: Contain capsaicin, which gives them their spicy heat and may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relieving effects, as well as potential benefits for heart health.

Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger may help relieve nausea, reduce muscle pain, and support overall gut health.

Ground Garlic (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits: Similar to fresh garlic, ground garlic offers immune-boosting and antibacterial benefits, along with potential cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects.

Ground Paprika (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and capsaicin, paprika may support eye health, digestion, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon):

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

benefits: Due to its capsaicin content, cayenne pepper may aid digestion, boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and provide pain relief.

Salt and Pepper (to taste): Negligible caloric value

benefits: While primarily used for flavor, salt provides essential minerals like sodium and chloride, necessary for fluid balance and nerve function, while pepper contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Beef or Vegetable Broth (6 cups):

• Calories: 60 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Hydrating and rich in protein, broth provides essential amino acids and nutrients, supporting muscle repair, hydration, and overall health.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish): Negligible caloric value

benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, parsley and cilantro support detoxification, digestion, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

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