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An incredibly rich and delicious African peanut stew, this Domoda recipe tastes even better the next day! Domoda is the nationao dish of Gambia and deservedly so because it is so flavorful and delicious!
What is Domoda?
Domoda is the national dish of Gambia. It is a delicious “groundnut stew” (peanuts) consisting of whatever vegetable happens to be available, typically pumpkin or sweet potatoes, and a saucy base. Whether vegetarian or including meat, the base is pretty consistent: A rich and flavorful sauce featuring ground peanut paste (or natural, unsweetened peanut butter), fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste. Caramelized onions, chicken and tomato stock, and hot chili peppers are also added. Maggi bouillon cubes are readily available in many parts of Africa and are commonly used in African cooking, including this dish.
Situated in West Africa, Gambia was a British commonwealth until 1965 when it gained independence. The land is relatively more fertile than other parts of Africa and Gambia’s economy is dominated by farming, fishing and tourism. Thus, they’re able to grow things like the pumpkins and sweet potatoes that are common to Gambian cuisine.
Though Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, it’s culture and history are diverse. Some of this history was popularized in the Alex Haley book and TV series “Roots,” parts of which were set in the Gambia.
A very poor country, a third of Gambia’s population lives below the international poverty line of $1.25 a day. Vegetarian dishes are common in Gambia because of the expense of meat. Domoda is often eaten without meat as well. But when a Gambian family is able to enjoy a little luxury, they’ll often add chicken or beef to this national dish. It’s humbling preparing something that by our standards is simple and relatively inexpensive, knowing that for other countries, like many households in Gambia, it’s a luxury. I’ve made this dish different times with beef and chicken and they’re both delicious. This time I used beef, but chicken can be used interchangeably (the resulting stew will be a little lighter in color).
This Daring Gourmet version is true to authentic roots. It’s asimple dish to make with a rich and rewarding flavor. This is African comfort food at its best, folks, and believe me, it’s a winner!
Domoda Recipe
Let’s get started!
Heat the oil in large Dutch oven or heavy saucepan. Saute the onions until golden. Add the beef and garlic and continue to sauté until the beef is no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the tomato paste, chilies, peanut butter and stir to combine.
Add the water and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add squash, cover, and continue to cook for 35-40 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with rice. This stew tastes even better the next day.
For more delicious African dishes be sure to try our:
- Doro Wat
- Sega Wat
- African Chicken Peanut Stew
- Gomen
- Misir Wat
- Bobotie
- Injera
African Peanut Stew (Domoda)
Kimberly Killebrew
The national dish of Gambia. A thick, saucy stew served over rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak or 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1/2 inch chunks (or use bone-in chicken pieces and simmer them in the sauce; once cooked leave the pieces whole or remove the meat from the bones and add it back to the stew.)
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Roma tomatoes diced
- 1/2 can 3 oz tomato paste
- 3/4 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
- 4 Maggi or Knorr tomato bouillon cubes
- 3 cups water
- Scotch bonnet chilies diced, according to heat preference
- 4 cups pumpkin or sweet potato diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the oil in large Dutch oven. Saute the onions until golden. Add the beef and garlic and continue to sauté until the beef is no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chilies, peanut butter and stir to combine. Add the water and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add squash, cover, and continue to cook for 35-40 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with rice. This stew tastes even better the next day.
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet March 2, 2013
FAQs
Domoda, a beloved Mandinka dish, is a flavorful groundnut stew enriched with spices, meat options such as chicken or fish, and an array of vegetables. This traditional delicacy has gained widespread popularity in both The Gambia and Senegal.
What is the national dish of the Gambia? ›
Domoda, the national dish of Gambia, is a culinary delight that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This peanut stew, often served with rice, is a staple in Gambian households and an integral part of their culture.
What is the history of peanut stew in Africa? ›
This peanut stew has a similar flavor and ingredients profile, but it originated from the Mandinka and Bambara people of Mali. A huge reason for its popularity throughout Africa is due to the cultivation of groundnut -- or peanuts -- throughout the continent during the colonial period.
What is a mafe? ›
mafé, a West African dish consisting of meat in a peanut or peanut butter sauce served over rice or couscous.
What is Chairo made of? ›
It is a soup made of vegetables and beef. It is made of chuño (dehydrated potatoes), onions, carrots, potatoes, white corn, peas, fava beans, a small piece of châlona (dehydrated lamb or llama meat,) beef, and wheat kernels and sometimes a small piece of pork rind that goes on top.
What are Bambas made of? ›
- Bombas underwear may contain cotton, modal, nylon, or spandex. - Our t-shirts may contain Pima cotton or merino wool, depending on the style you purchase. - As for our slippers, they may include cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, rubber depending on the style you order.
What is the taboo in Gambia? ›
Taboo topics
There are still some topics that locals prefer not to discuss. These include female genital mutilation, politics, tribal politics, hom*osexuality, criticism of their religion, and some cultural practices such as polygamy. Although you may not share the same beliefs, please respect them and try not to judge.
What do Gambians eat for breakfast? ›
Tapalapa and Senfurr are the two most popular breads used in Gambian breakfasts, snacks, and dinners. It's often enjoyed with butter, chocolate spread or a selection of sauces like bean paste, gronesoup ( smoked fish sauce with lemon, spice, onions, and chilli), bullet or fishball stew, or hearty steaks.
What is the most famous food in Gambia? ›
Benachin is one of the most favourite of the typical Gambian dishes. Benachin in Wollof means one pot, which tells us the whole recipe is prepared in a single pot. It is fried rice and can be made in red and white variations, red being done with tomato paste.
What do Nigerians call peanuts? ›
In many parts of Africa, peanuts are usually known as groundnuts because the nut pods grow underground.
In Africa, peanuts go by many names like groundnuts, gerte, and nguba—the origin of the nickname "goober." In this episode, culinary experts and passionate food lovers reveal how peanuts are a key ingredient that connects diverse regions and plays a role in bringing vibrant flavors to African dishes.
What African American invented the peanut? ›
The African American scientist is known as the "Peanut Man," but did he actually create the popular spread? George Washington Carver created more than 300 products from the peanut plant but is often remembered for the one he didn't invent: peanut butter.
Who invented peanut soup? ›
It is believed that the dish originated among the Mandinka people of Mali, who would grind roasted peanuts into a paste and use it as a base for a savoury stew. Over time, the recipe spread throughout the region, with different variations emerging in different communities.
What is a Mexican Kibi? ›
Kibis are like a kind of mini empanadas or fried meatballs made from flour and meat sometimes filled with red onion and chopped cabbage and served on a piece of tortilla paper.
What is the national drink of The Gambia? ›
"Attaya is a staple in Gambian culture; we drink it multiple times everyday.
What is Gambia most known for? ›
The Gambian economy is heavily dependent on peanut (groundnut) production and export. The country is known for the beaches along its small Atlantic coastline and for being home to Jufureh (Juffure), the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley's well-known novel Roots.
What do Gambians drink? ›
Gambia's Local Juices: A Burst of Flavor & Health
- Baobab Juice. This delicious beverage is made from the fruits of the Baobab tree and is loved for its tangy taste and health benefits. ...
- Wonjo Juice. ...
- Ginger Juice. ...
- Tamarind Juice. ...
- Wonjo-Ndaje Juice. ...
- Conclusion.
Fufu is Ghana's national dish, a starchy side dish, and an important accompaniment to various stews and sauce-based dishes. It is also very popular and regularly eaten throughout West and Central Africa.
