With the whirlwind of changes and progress going on in Nigeria, food customs are beginning to change somewhat. For example, fish is now becoming more popular than ever before. But this is still a country where chicken has long been the main protein food. Meals throughout western Africa are usually based on a stew or soup, which is accompanied by a starchy food, such as rice, yams, plantains, and bananas. Sauces are often thickened with bean or yam puree and spiced with red peppers. Coconut is a staple in every kitchen. It's not just used for dessert or candy, either, but is an ingredient in sauces and served fresh as an accompaniment to the main course. Even the coconut milk is used in cooking, although it is not an ingredient in this particular meal. 2 1/2 to 3 lb. broiler-fryer chicken, cut up 1 lb. beef stew meat, cut into approx. 1-inch pieces 3 tablespoons of cooking oil 2 medium onions, chopped 2 medium carrots, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 1 28-oz. can of tomatoes, cut up 1 14-oz. can of black beans 1 teaspoon salt 1 to 2 teaspoons ground red pepper or 1 to 2 tablespoons McCormack Caribbean Jerk seasoning 3/4 cup of chunky peanut butter

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown the chicken pieces in hot oil for about 15 minutes.
Remove from the pan, drain and set aside, reserving the drippings.
Add the beef, onion, carrots, and green pepper to the drippings and cook until the beef is brown and the onion tender.
Drain off the fat. Stir in UNDRAINED tomatoes, salt, and red pepper (or McCormack Caribbean Jerk seasoning).

Bring to boiling, then reduce heat and cover.
Simmer for about 30 minutes, then add the chicken pieces and black beans, then simmer for 20 minutes more.

Melt the peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir this into the chicken mixture and allow to simmer for another 20 minutes.

This dinner goes very well served with couscous and yams, or red beans and rice, and unsweetened coconut. Sliced cooked banana also makes a good accompaniment.

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people  

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