Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken* thighs or breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 8 oz smoked protein (optional) (fish. meat, or shellfish)
• 2 medium onions (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped or grated)
• 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)
• 1-3 whole fresh Habanero pepper (optional) (hot)
• 1 lb baby spinach (washed)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup ground pumpkin seeds (with shell if possible)
• oil
• salt
• Ajowan, anise, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg
• Polenta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• 1 carrot (cut into 2 inch pieces )
• 1 stalk celery (cut into 2 inch pieces )
• 1 medium onion (quartered)
• 2 bunch bunch spinach (about 1.5 lbs), (roughly chopped, washed (instead of the baby spinach))

Directions

• Fry Chicken*
• Season the chicken on all sides with salt to taste and Gboma Dessi spices.
• In a PAN, fry the chicken in oil over medium-high heat until all sides turn brown and the meat is cooked through.
• Set aside and keep warm.
• Cook Sauce
• In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
• Add onions and garlic.
• Fry over medium-low heat until soft.
• Stir in tomato paste, and optionally ginger.
• Add broth and ground pumpkin seeds*.
• And salt and whole peppers (optional) to taste. Mix well.
• Cook for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
• Finish
• Fill POT with the spinach.
• Mix gently and cook over low heat until the volume of the spinach is reduced.
• Stir occasionally.
• Stir in chicken and optional smoked protein.
• Serve
• Serve with your preferred side.
• Cook Chicken for Optional Long Version
• In a POT, bring 1 quart of salted water to a boil.
• Add onion quarters, carrots, celery, and chicken.
• Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
• Take the chicken out and strain the broth. Keep it for later.
• Continue with the steps in 'Fry Chicken' above.
• Cook Spinach for Optional Long Version
• In a POT, bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil.
• Add spinach, return to a boil, and let cook over medium-low heat for 1 minute. Drain.
• Place the spinach in a BOWL with cold water. Drain.
• With your hands, squeeze as much water out as possible. Set aside.
• Finish for Optional Long Version
• Follow the steps in 'Cook Sauce' above.
• Add chicken and optional protein. Mix well.
• Add spinach and mix gently.
• Cook for about 5 minutes to reheat the spinach.

Notes

• 8-6-25 1/2 Recipe
• I Used
• CC Gbotemi Spice Blend
• *Substitute chicken with sirloin beef, cut in thin strips.
• Substitute spinach with kale and cook until soft.
• *Substitute pumpkin seeds with your preferred nuts.
• Gboma Dessi is a beloved Togolese dish that showcases the rich flavors of West African cuisine. This nutritious and flavorful stew is made with tender meat, typically beef or lamb, and an abundance of fresh spinach, simmered in a savory sauce infused with aromatic spices like garlic, ginger, and Gbotemi spice. The Gbotemi spice blend, unique to West African cuisine, particularly in Togo, adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish.
• Key Ingredients
• - Meat: Beef or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• - Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• - Gbotemi Spice: A blend of anise, ground ginger, roasted cardamom seeds, ajwain, and cloves
• - Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and ginger
• - Palm Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the stew
• History and Cultural Significance
• Gboma Dessi is a staple dish in Togolese cuisine, reflecting the country's cultural heritage and culinary traditions. The name "Gboma" means "fresh leaves" in the Ewe language, spoken in Togo and parts of Ghana. This dish is often served with starchy sides like rice, fufu, or akoumé, and its preparation and consumption are steeped in cultural norms and traditions .
• Preparation Method
• The preparation of Gboma Dessi involves cooking the meat in a flavorful broth, then simmering it in a rich sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and palm oil. The spinach is added towards the end of cooking, allowing it to retain its nutrients and flavor. The dish is often seasoned with Maggi cubes, salt, and pepper, and served hot.
• Variations
• Gboma Dessi can be made with various proteins, including beef, lamb, chicken, shrimp, or smoked fish. The dish is also versatile, allowing for adjustments in spice levels and ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences.

Photos