Caribbean Chicken Stew with Sweet Corn, Coconut Milk and Green Plantain Dumplings

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel 1 green plantain and cut it into medium chunks for the dumplings. Place it in a pot with enough water and boil for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Drain well.

2. 2

   While the plantain cooks, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, and cinnamon.

3. 3

   Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wide stew pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, turning so it colors on several sides. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, sweet pepper, and the white part of the scallions. Cook for 4 minutes until softened.

5. 5

   Add the garlic, ginger, fresh thyme, and bay leaf. Cook 1 minute more, stirring to perfume the base.

6. 6

   Stir in the crushed tomato and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken broth and coconut milk, mix well, and return the chicken to the pot.

7. 7

   Peel the second green plantain and cut it into small cubes. Add it to the stew along with the sweet corn. Once gently simmering, reduce to medium-low heat, partially cover, and cook for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   For the dumplings, mash the cooked plantain while still hot with the butter, cassava flour, lime zest, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until you have a smooth dough. If it feels too wet, add an extra teaspoon of cassava flour. Shape into 12 small dumplings.

9. 9

   Uncover the stew and add the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Set the plantain dumplings over the stew, cover again, and cook over low heat for 10 minutes so they puff slightly and cook through.

10. 10

    Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and finish with the green part of the scallions and the remaining fresh cilantro. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

11. 11

    If you want to keep the stew warm before serving, you may place it in the oven at 300°F / 150°C for up to 10 minutes, tightly covered.