Zimbabwean chicken dovi

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.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time 50 minutes

Total time 1 hour 10 minutes

Cooking method: Traditional

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 5

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

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.