Cuisine : Poulet à la Béninoise - Traditional chicken dish of Benin Africa & how to make

 

Poulet à la Béninoise is a traditional chicken dish from Benin, known for its flavorful marinade and use of local spices. This dish typically features chicken marinated in a blend of ginger, garlic, onions, and chilies, which is then grilled or fried to perfection. The result is a juicy, aromatic, and slightly spicy chicken that captures the essence of West African flavors. Poulet à la Béninoise is often served with rice, amiwo (spiced cornmeal), or a vegetable side.

Ingredients

To prepare Poulet à la Béninoise, you’ll need:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 4-6 chicken thighs/drumsticks)

3-4 cloves of garlic, minced

1 large onion, finely chopped

1-2 inches of fresh ginger, grated

1-2 hot peppers (such as habanero or scotch bonnet), finely chopped (optional, for heat)

1-2 tablespoons of vegetable or palm oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground paprika or chili powder

Juice of 1 lemon or lime

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic, chopped onions, grated ginger, hot peppers (if using), dried thyme, paprika, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Add the vegetable or palm oil and mix well to form a thick marinade paste.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them.

Rub the marinade into the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.

Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Chicken

Grilling Option: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.

Pan-Frying Option: In a large skillet, heat a little vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Oven-Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.

4. Serve

Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Serve hot with sides like rice, fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or amiwo.

Tips

For Extra Tender Chicken: Add a bit of plain yogurt to the marinade, which helps tenderize the meat.

Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of hot peppers based on your preference for spice.

Marinating Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes, so try to marinate overnight if possible.