Chadian Daraba with Millet Balls
Experience an authentic culinary journey to Chad with Daraba, a rich and hearty okra stew featuring tender lamb. Infused with the earthy flavors of peanut butter and fresh vegetables, this traditional stew is perfectly complemented by dense millet balls designed to soak up every bit of the delicious broth. Dig into this comforting dish and savor the essence of Chadian cuisine.
Ingredients
For Daraba (Okra Stew with Lamb):
🐑 1 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
🫑 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
🍅 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🥒 20 fresh okra, washed, trimmed, and cut into rings
🍠 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
🍆 1 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
🌿 1 cup spinach, shredded
🥜 3/4 cup smooth natural unsweetened peanut butter
🍲 1 beef or chicken bouillon cube
🥜 2 tablespoons peanut oil
🧂 Salt, approx. 1/2 teaspoon
🌶️ 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
💧 Approximately 4 cups water
For Millet Balls:
🌾 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
🌾 1/2 cup millet flour
💧 Approximately 1/2 cup water
Instructions
1- Prepare the Stew:
- Heat the peanut oil in a GreenPan stew pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the lamb cubes on all sides until browned. Remove the lamb and set aside.
2- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper strips, tomato paste, and cayenne pepper.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3- Simmer the Stew:
- Return the seared lamb to the pot, then add the sweet potato, eggplant, and spinach.
- Pour in the water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4- Add Peanut Butter & Okra:
- Let cook for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in the peanut butter, crushed bouillon cube, and okra. Season with salt.
5- Thicken the Stew:
- Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the stew thickens.
6- Prepare Millet Balls:
- Combine all-purpose flour and millet flour in a stainless steel mixing bowl.
- Gradually add water, stirring until a thick paste forms.
7- Cook Millet Balls:
- Place the mixture over a pot of simmering water using a double boiler setup.
- Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8- Form & Boil Millet Balls:
- Remove from heat and, using an ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls.
- In a separate saucepan, boil salted water. Drop in the millet balls and boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove and drain the millet balls.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Daraba - 1 hour 15 minutes, Millet Balls - 40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Equipment:
GE Profile Stove, GreenPan Stew Pot, Metal Tongs with Black Silicone Tips, Wooden Spoon/Spatula with Green Silicone Head, Stainless Steel & White Ceramic Mixing Bowls, Anchor Hocking Glass Measuring Cup, Small Saucepan, Ice Cream Scoop
Cooking Tips
- Add peanut butter and okra during the last 15 minutes for the best texture.
- Millet balls are purposefully dense to absorb the flavorful stew.
#chadiancuisine #okra #lambstew #milletballs #traditionalrecipe #daraba #africanflavors
Cliffieland: A Global Cooking Adventure