Muamba de Galinha (Angolan Chicken in Palm Oil Sauce)
Local name: Muamba de galinha
In short: Chicken stewed in red palm oil with garlic, tomato, okra and squash until the sauce turns glossy and orange, served with funge or rice. It takes about 1 h 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h 15 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Muamba de galinha is the dish most Angolans name first: chicken stewed in red palm oil with okra, garlic, tomato and hot pepper until the sauce turns orange and glossy. The okra thickens the stew, a little squash adds sweetness, and a squeeze of lemon keeps it bright. It is served with funge or rice at family lunches and celebrations, and it tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Rub the chicken with half the garlic, 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of the palm oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in two batches for 4 minutes per side, then set it aside.
- Add the remaining palm oil and the onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic for 1 minute, then the tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes until thick.
- Return the chicken to the pot with the bay leaf, chili, remaining salt and the water. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Add the squash and simmer for 10 minutes, then add the okra. Cook for another 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and orange oil gathers on the surface.
- Check that the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F). Stir in the remaining lemon juice, remove the chili and bay leaf and adjust the salt.
- Serve hot with funge or rice.
Tips
- Red palm oil gives the traditional color and flavor. If you cannot find it, use sunflower oil and stir in 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika.
- Handle the okra gently once it goes in, stirring as little as possible, so it thickens the sauce without turning slimy.
Questions and answers
Can I make muamba ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for 4 days and the flavor deepens. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
Is red palm oil healthy?
It is rich in carotenoids but also high in saturated fat. In this recipe it is the main flavor, so use it as written and balance the meal with plenty of vegetables.
What do you serve with muamba de galinha?
Funge is the classic partner, along with white rice. A bowl of hot pepper sauce on the side lets each person add their own heat.
How long does it take to make Muamba de Galinha (Angolan Chicken in Palm Oil Sauce)?
About 1 h 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Muamba de Galinha (Angolan Chicken in Palm Oil Sauce)?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
