She Strengthens

Savor the Flavors of the Caribbean with This Scorching Stew

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and aromatic stew, packed with the rich flavors of browned chicken and the underrated chayote gourd. This hearty dish is a perfect blend of spices, tender meat, and velvety vegetables.

What You Need to Know About Chayote

Chayote, also known as chocho, mirliton, christophene, or vegetable pear, is a staple in Caribbean cuisine. When selecting chayotes, look for firm, blemish-free fruits with smooth skin (female) or prickly skin (male). Both varieties work well in this recipe, but female chayotes are easier to prepare.

Heat Level Alert!

This stew packs a punch, thanks to the habanero pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of habanero or substitute it with a jalapeño. As with all stews, the flavors meld together beautifully over time, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

Recipe Overview

Yield: 6 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 20 minutes

Gather Your Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds chicken legs and thighs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium white onion
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1 medium habanero pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 medium russet potato
• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 medium chayote
• 4 cups water
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Spice Up Your Chicken
   Mix salt, curry powder, allspice, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub half of the mixture onto the chicken and set aside.
2. Sear Those Vegetables
   Heat oil in a 3-quart Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the remaining spice mixture, onion, garlic, and habanero pepper. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender and the curry is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Brown That Chicken
   Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Simmer to Perfection
   Add all remaining ingredients except vinegar and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 30 minutes. Stir in vinegar and serve.

Get ready to indulge in this mouth-numbing, flavor-packed stew that will leave you craving for more!