This past week I’ve been exploring the world. I met my Mexican hairless xoloitzcuintli grand puppy,
finally enjoyed the Morikami Japanese Gardens,
visited the incredible Nigerian artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby‘s exhibit – I Refuse to be Invisible at the Norton Museum with Cecilia Simms and
sampled this fantastic Senegalese Chicken Yassa, a recipe from the Casamance region of southern Senegal.
This Chicken Yassa recipe hails from the lovely cookbook, Eating Clean in Costa Rica.
I didn’t get to Costa Rica this week, but reading Eating Clean in Costa Rica puts you in a very pleasant Costa Rican head space.
Senegalese Chicken Yassa
- 1 large chicken, cut into pieces
- 8-10 onions, chopped
- 4 lemons, juiced
- 3 T peanut, or olive oil
- 2 t Dijon mustard
- 2 c chicken broth
- 1 – 2 dried chilies, chopped
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Prepare a marinade by mixing lemon juice, salt, pepper, mustard and 1 tablespoon of oil. Brush the chicken with the marinade, and marinate covered and refrigerated for 3 hours.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining marinade with the onions. Marinate the onions, covered and refrigerated for 3 hours.
Heat a large pot or a wok over high heat. Add remaining oil and brown the chicken. Remove chicken to a platter. Add onions and sauté on low heat for 20 minutes. When onions are softened, add chicken, chicken stock and chilies. Mix and cook covered, allowing a little steam to escape, over medium heat for 45 – 60 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve. Serves 6 – 8. Excellent frozen and reheated.
Senegalese Chicken Yassa Print Ready Recipe
Final notes:
- Who knew that one of the tastiest chicken dishes ever hailed from a place of beauty and historical conflict?
- Here are 5 other Senegalese recipes to tempt you.
- And now, for some African Senegal drum music to keep you focused while cooking Senegalese Chicken Yassa:
I love the breadth of this post. Art, family, beauty, music, food. Inspiration!
Thanks Mindy! And thanks for being my sous chef and taste tester.
Looks like a delicious meal with ingredients that easy to obtain.
I know! You just need enough lemons and a really big delicious chicken. I used a kosher one cause I’m partial to their taste.
So exotic – inspiring!
Thanks Diane. Exotic but simple. My favourite combo.