Nigerian Tomato Stew Recipe.
This Fresh Tomato Spicy Stew is a vibrant, fiery dish featuring fresh tomatoes, habanero peppers, and aromatic spices. Tomatoes are first steamed and blended to concentrate their flavor, then fried with onions, curry, and spices to develop a rich, deep-colored base. Grilled chicken is added and simmered until it absorbs the zesty sauce, creating a flavorful, comforting stew perfect for pairing with rice or bread.
Servings 6 people
Calories 710kcal
Cost $25
Equipment
- 1 Frying pan or pot. for frying the stew base
Ingredients
- 15 whole fresh tomatoes Provides the stew base; steaming before blending reduces sourness and intensifies natural sweetness.
- 3 bulbs onions Adds depth and natural sweetness; frying releases rich flavor and aroma.
- 1 cup habanero peppers Gives heat and spice; adjust quantity based on desired spiciness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil Used to fry the tomato paste and onions; helps develop color and flavor.
- 1 bulb garlic Enhances aroma and adds savory depth; finely grating releases more flavor.
- 1 bulb ginger Adds warm, zesty notes; balances heat from peppers.
- 2 kg grilled chicken Protein component; absorbs the rich tomato sauce and spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor and balances acidity from tomatoes
- 3 cubes seasoning Boosts savory umami flavor; use chicken or vegetable stock depending on preference.
- 1 teaspoon curry powder Adds warmth and mild spiciness; complements the tomato base.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Provides earthy herbal notes; pairs well with chicken and tomato.
- 1 teaspoon anise spice Adds subtle licorice-like sweetness; enhances complexity of flavor.
- ½ cup water Loosens stew slightly for better consistency; helps sauce coat chicken evenly.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: To start, wash and slice the tomatoes and onions. Then, peel and grate the garlic, ginger, and habanero peppers. After that, set everything aside. At this stage, preparation is essential because it ensures smoother cooking. In addition, it helps the flavors develop more evenly later on.
- Step 2: Steam and Blend the Tomatoes: Next, place a clean pot on medium heat. Immediately add the following ingredients: Tomatoes, Onions, Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Thyme, Anise spice, Salt, A small splash of oil.
- As the mixture heats up, allow it to steam uncovered. Meanwhile, the tomatoes will begin to release water. Continue cooking until all the water evaporates completely. As a result, the tomatoes will soften and concentrate in flavor. : Blend Until Smooth.
- Step 3: Fry the Tomato Paste: Meanwhile, place a clean pot on medium heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Once the oil is warm, add sliced onions. Then, stir until fragrant. After that, add the curry powder along with a pinch of salt. Immediately afterward, pour in the blended tomato paste. From here, continue frying while stirring frequently. The sour taste will disappear. The color will deepen, The oil will rise to the surface
- Step 4: Add Chicken and Simmer: Finally, add a small amount of water to loosen the stew slightly. Then, stir in the grilled chicken and stock cubes. At this point, reduce the heat. Allow the stew to simmer for 5 minutes. As a result, the chicken absorbs the sauce beautifully. Lastly, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Notes
Steaming the tomatoes before blending reduces sourness and intensifies their natural sweetness.
Frying the tomato paste in oil allows the flavors to deepen and prevents a raw tomato taste.
Adjust the habanero quantity if you prefer a milder heat—these peppers are extremely spicy!
This stew stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.