Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4 Servings

When the temperature drops in January, what we really want is food that fills us up and nourishes at the same time. So start your day with a hearty smoothie, but finish it with a wholesome stew. This is one of a series of stews designed to make you feel good in every possible way. Brimming with veggies and spices, each of these wholesome stews will support and reward your best New Year’s intentions.

Chicken stew is so easy and satisfying that it’s little wonder that many cooks use a chicken in every pot — but that doesn’t mean every pot has to taste the same. This recipe keeps everything we love about chicken stew, but takes cues from a favorite Brazilian stew to make it feel fresh and interesting.

Ingredients

1/3 cup peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger (3 ounces)
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 jalapeño peppers, chopped (seeds removed to reduce heat)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange or lime juice
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes and their juices
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, plus more for garnish
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Serve with: orange or lime wedges, chopped peanuts, chopped cilantro, and cooked rice (optional)

Instructions

Pulse the ginger, garlic, jalapeños, juice, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and water in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment until it forms a paste; set aside in the food processor.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan over high heat until shimmering. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the ginger paste (reserve the food processor; no need to wash) and cook, stirring, until the paste begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, peanuts, coconut milk, and coconut and cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Transfer back into the food processor and purée until smooth. Return the mixture to the saucepan. (Alternatively, purée it directly in the saucepan with an immersion blender.)
Add the broth and measured salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in the sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Working in batches to avoid crowding the skillet, brown and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken to the stew and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve garnished with shredded coconut, orange or lime wedges, peanuts, and cilantro. This can also be served over rice.