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West African Chicken Broth

Serves 4 to 6 Soup chicken, Soups

West African Chicken Broth

West African Chicken Broth finds its roots deep in the heart of home kitchens across the region, where the dish is a staple of everyday family meals. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations, often without written instruction but rather through the intuitive hands of experienced cooks. This version captures that essence, with salt judged by hand and fat used generously, reflecting the communal spirit of West African dining.

The broth should be a gentle embrace of flavors, where the sweetness of carrots and the earthiness of bay leaf meld seamlessly with the rich notes of chicken. The olive oil adds a silky texture, while a sprinkle of fine sea salt and black pepper completes the symphony. This is a dish meant to be shared, a centerpiece of warmth and comfort on the family table.

Ingredients

  • 700 gchicken pieces
  • 1onion
  • 2carrots
  • 1.8 Lwater
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1bay leaf
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 chopped onion, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onion turns translucent and releases a sweet aroma, about 5 minutes. This step builds a fragrant base, essential for the depth of flavor in your broth.
  2. Add 700 g of chicken pieces to the pot, ensuring they are in contact with the base. Allow them to brown slightly on all sides, which will enhance the broth's richness. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and you should notice the chicken pieces starting to turn a light golden color.
  3. Peel and slice 2 carrots into rounds and add them to the pot. Stir them in with the chicken and onions. This will allow the carrots to start softening and release their natural sweetness into the broth.
  4. Pour in 1.8 L of water, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Add 1 bay leaf for an earthy aroma. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, which is key for extracting flavors without toughening the chicken.
  5. Once the broth begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Let it simmer gently, checking occasionally. The chicken should become tender and the carrots soft, which you can test by pressing them with a spoon. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
  6. Taste the broth and season with fine sea salt and black pepper to your preference. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them. If desired, finish with a drizzle of olive oil for added richness before serving.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic West African Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the West African volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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