Chicken Djerma, the national dish of Niger

Chicken Djerma comes from Niger and is part of the cuisine of the Zarma-Djerma people, who live along the Niger River. It's a recipe in which chicken simmers with onion, tomatoes, and a touch of peanuts, a staple food in the Sahel. These are simple, readily available, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. This dish is often served with rice, millet, or fonio. Families prepare it for large gatherings or rural celebrations. Chicken Djerma illustrates the importance of local grains in the Nigerien diet. Its simplicity reflects the nourishing and traditional nature of Sahelian cuisine. In fact, the recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.

Preparation time 15 mins

Cooking time 1 hour

Total time 1 hr 15 mins

Cooking method: traditional

Difficulty: beginner

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 chicken, cut into pieces
4 sliced onions
3 fresh chopped tomatoes (or a small can of tomatoes)
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
2 cloves of crushed garlic
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground ginger
4 tablespoons of peanut oil
Salt and pepper
Water

Preparation

1
Heat the oil in a pot or deep pan, then brown the chicken pieces.
2
Add the onions and garlic, mix and sauté until lightly browned.
3
Stir in the tomatoes, spices, salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4
Dilute the peanut paste in a glass of water and add it to the chicken.
5
Pour in two glasses of water, cover and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes.
6
Stir regularly to prevent the sauce from sticking.
7
Adjust the seasoning and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
8
Serve hot with rice, millet or fonio.

Keywords: Djerma chicken, Nigerian recipe, Nigerien cuisine, chicken from Niger, African recipe, traditional chicken, Sahelian cuisine, gluten-free dish, peanut recipe, West African cuisine