Authentic Zimbabwean Dovi Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Using a food processor, grind the peanuts until they form a smooth paste. Set aside.
  2. Heat the peanut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Add the turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until the chicken is well browned on all sides.
  5. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat and stir in the peanut paste. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Cook for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  8. Serve the Dovi hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Tools for making

  • Food Processor - Used to grind the peanuts into a smooth paste.
  • Large Pot - Used for cooking the Dovi and combining the ingredients.
  • Cutting Board - Used for chopping the onions and preparing the chicken.
  • Chef's Knife - Used for mincing garlic, grating ginger, and cutting the chicken.
  • Wooden Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the peanuts, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
  • Can Opener - Used to open the canned diced tomatoes.
  • Serving Bowls - Used for serving the prepared Dovi.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan chunks.
  • Cashew Dovi: Substitute the peanuts with cashews for a different flavor profile.
  • Spicy Twist: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped chili peppers for extra heat.
  • Coconut Dovi: Add a can of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy and rich variation.
  • Nut-Free Dovi: Replace the peanuts with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free alternative.
  • Vegetable Dovi: Add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or green beans to the dish.
  • Seafood Dovi: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or fish fillets for a seafood version.
  • Herb Infused: Experiment with adding herbs like cilantro, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavors.

Recipe overview

Dovi, also known as Zimbabwean Peanut Chicken, is a traditional African dish that encapsulates the bold flavors of the continent. This dish brings together the nutty flavor of peanuts with the warmth of spices and the heartiness of chicken, creating a unique and delectable main course. In this recipe, you'll start by creating a homemade peanut paste, which forms the base of the sauce. The spices, onion, garlic, and ginger are then sautéed, and the chicken is browned, before simmering everything together in a chicken broth and tomato base. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a refreshing layer to this rich dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this Dovi recipe is sure to transport you straight to the heart of Zimbabwe with each bite. Expect a journey of flavors that is hearty, satisfying, and packed with depth. Enjoy the process of cooking, as the aromas fill your kitchen, and get ready to delight in this taste of Africa.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted roasted peanuts instead of unsalted? No, it is recommended to use unsalted roasted peanuts to control the level of saltiness in the recipe.
  2. Can I use chicken with bones instead of boneless chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken with bones if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Is there a substitute for peanut oil? If you don't have peanut oil, you can use vegetable or canola oil as a substitute.
  4. Can I use ground peanuts instead of grinding them in a food processor? Grinding the peanuts in a food processor helps achieve a smoother consistency. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use ground peanuts instead.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Dovi by substituting the chicken with tofu or vegetables of your choice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  6. How spicy is this recipe? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to taste. The cayenne pepper adds some heat, but you can increase or decrease the amount according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the onions, garlic, ginger, and chicken.
  • Food processor - Used to grind the peanuts into a smooth paste.
  • Large pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and simmer the Dovi.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the peanuts, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes.
  • Grater - For grating the fresh ginger.
  • Can opener - To open the canned diced tomatoes.
  • Serving bowls - Bowls to serve the Dovi once it's done.

Origin stories

Dovi, a beloved dish from Zimbabwe, is a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary genius of the Shona and Ndebele people who have thrived in the region for centuries. It's a classic peanut stew, showcasing the peanut, or groundnut, a crop brought from the Americas during the era of global exploration and trade, which found a new home in African soils. In Zimbabwe, the peanut transcended its status as a humble legume, becoming a cornerstone of the local cuisine, morphing into a symbol of hospitality, warmth, and familial bonds. The simplicity of Dovi belies its taste - a rich, earthy melange of flavors that tell a story of historical resilience, cultural exchange, and the universal language of delicious food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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