About
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.
Daraba From Chad
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
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
40 mins
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)
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Instructions
A creamy, peanut butter and greens stew
Click here for video recipe and story on Instagram
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.