A creamy, peanut butter and greens stew
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Chadian Daraba is a traditional stew from Chad, a country in Central Africa. It shows the cooking habits and cultural heritage of the Chadian people, who have many different influences in their food because of the country’s varied ethnic groups and landscapes.
Daraba comes from the traditional cooking methods of various ethnic groups in Chad. The dish uses local ingredients like okra, tomatoes, leafy greens, and sometimes meat or fish. Food is important in Chad, and meals like daraba are often shared with family and during community gatherings, symbolizing unity.
The country's history, including interactions with Arab traders, European colonization, and neighboring African cultures, has influenced Chadian cuisine.
Typical ingredients in daraba include vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, and leafy greens (like spinach or cassava leaves). Other common ingredients are onions, garlic, and sometimes chili peppers for spice.
Meat (like goat or beef) or fish can also be added. The preparation involves sautéing the vegetables and any meat or fish in oil, then simmering the mixture with water to make a thick stew. Okra is important because it naturally thickens the stew.
Daraba is usually served with staple foods like millet, rice, or sorghum, which are common in Chad. It can be eaten as a main dish or with other dishes as part of a larger meal. There are different versions of daraba depending on the region and available ingredients.
More than just a dish, daraba shows the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Chadian people. It highlights the use of local, seasonal ingredients and the importance of eating together in Chadian culture.
Chadian Daraba Recipe
Prep time 20 minutes | Cook time 40 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1/3 cup peanut butter
2 cups okra, chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
1 sweet potato, in one inch pieces
1 eggplant, in one inch pieces
3 cups leafy greens (such as spinach or cassava leaves), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups water or broth
1 boullion cube
Cooked millet, rice, or sorghum (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop the okra, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet potato and leafy greens.
Simmer the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the eggplant, tomatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, water/broth and bouillon cube and simmer for 30 minutes
Add Peanut butter:
Remove 3/4 of remaining liquid and mix it with peanut butter. Return it to the pan
Add mixed greens, cover and cook for 6 more minutes
Serve:
Serve the daraba hot over cooked millet, rice, or sorghum.
Enjoy your homemade Chadian Daraba!
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!
If you want to try to make more flavors of Africa, check out the links my recipes below.
East Africa
Djiboutian Skoudehkaris - A deeply rich beef and lamb rice dish
Kenyan Kuku Paka - A creamy coconut chicken curry
Malawian Zitumbuwa - Crispy banana fritters
Mozambican Matapa - A thick and hearty peanut and greens stew
Somali Baasto - A East Africa take on a traditional Italian meat and pasta dish.
Tanzanian Coconut Pilau - A creamy coconut infused rice dish.
Southern Africa
Zambian Ifisashi - A rich peanut and greens stew.
West Africa
Cameroonian Poulet DG - A spicy and vibrant chicken one pot with plantains
Chadian Daraba - A peanut and greens stew
Guinean Kansiye - A vibrant beefy peanut stew
Malian Tigue Degue - A rich and satisfying peanut chicken stew
Nigerienne Djerma Stew - A complex, tomato peanut infused chicken stew
Senegalese Poulet Yassa - A cheerful caramelized onion and lemon one pot.
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