Immerse yourself in the heart of Southern Africa with Dovi, Zimbabwe's quintessential comfort food. Like its cousin, Mafé, this rich and creamy dish combines chicken (or goat) with peanut butter, creating a velvety sauce with deeply earthy flavors. Unlike many Western stews, Dovi is naturally gluten-free, as the peanut butter provides the richness and deliciousness. Traditionally served with sadza or fragrant white rice, this dish is a true invitation to travel and share, provided, of course, that you enjoy peanuts. Easy to make with everyday ingredients, it's sure to surprise you. An age-old recipe that proves simplicity is often the secret to the greatest feasts.

Zimbabwean chicken dovi

Zimbabwe

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Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes Total time 1 hour 10 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 5 Special regime:

Naturally gluten-free

Cooking method: Traditional

Ingredients

Portions

• 1 kg of chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks for extra tenderness)
• 150g of peanut butter (natural, preferably without added sugar)
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 crushed garlic cloves
• 2 very ripe chopped tomatoes (or 400g of tomato pulp)
• 2 carrots cut into rounds
• 500 ml of chicken stock (certified gluten-free)
• 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

1. Sear the meat: In a large casserole dish, heat the oil and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove them and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same oil, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and carrots, then cook for 5 minutes.
3. Simmer: Stir in the chopped tomatoes. Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the stock. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes.
4. To thicken the sauce: Ladle out a small amount of hot broth and mix it in a bowl with the peanut butter to loosen it. Pour this mixture into the pot. Stir well to obtain a smooth sauce.
5. The finishing touch: Add the spinach leaves on top. Cover for another 5 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is perfectly tender.
6. Serving: Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.

Keywords: Dovi recipe, peanut butter chicken, Zimbabwean cuisine, traditional gluten-free dish, African stew, peanut butter chicken recipe, Zimbabwean specialty, easy African cooking.

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