Nshima with Village Chicken & Chibwabwa (Zambian Braised Chicken & Pumpkin Leaf Peanut Relish) – Authentic Zambia Recipe

Ingredients for Nshima with Village Chicken & Chibwabwa (Zambian Braised Chicken & Pumpkin Leaf Peanut Relish) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) slow-braised golden chicken pieces in tomato-onion gravy, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups tender greens simmered with crushed roasted peanuts (ifisashi/chibwabwa), washed and trimmed
• 1 cup smooth white maize nshima
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with garlic
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Zambia seasoning (ginger, sweet onion, ripe tomatoes)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown slow-braised golden chicken pieces in tomato-onion gravy for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, garlic, and ginger, sweet onion, ripe tomatoes, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add tender greens simmered with crushed roasted peanuts (ifisashi/chibwabwa) and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in smooth white maize nshima right before serving warm.