Recipes shared with us in Chad

While on assignment in Chad, our ShelterBox team had the chance to try a couple of local meals that highlighted the ingredients and flavours commonly used in the region. These recipes show the creativity and care that goes into preparing everyday dishes, even in challenging circumstances.

Local cooks generously shared these dishes, and are made with ingredients available and familiar across many parts of Chad.

ShelterBox is working in Chad to support people affected by displacement and ongoing war in Sudan; many families are living without safe, secure shelter. You can read more about the situation here.

Chicken and potato stew

A slow-cooked, comforting dish made with simple ingredients and plenty of time. This stew is often prepared communally and served hot.

Ingredients

• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Chicken
• Bell peppers
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Salt

Method

1. Fry the onion and garlic in oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in chopped ginger, tomatoes and potatoes.
4. Simmer gently on a low heat for 1–1.5 hours.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve warm.

Peanut and spinach stew

This rich, hearty stew uses leafy greens and peanut paste, ingredients commonly used across the region.

Ingredients

• Fresh meat (of your choice), diced
• Onion
• Garlic
• Spinach
• Sorrel leaves
• Peanut butter or peanut paste

Method

1. Dice two to three onions and two to three cloves of garlic.
2. Fry the onion in a small amount of oil until lightly golden, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add the meat and cook briefly until half done, then remove from the heat.
4. Wash and finely chop the spinach and sorrel leaves.
5. Return the pot to the heat, add the greens and stir gently until the water has evaporated and everything is fully cooked.
6. Stir in peanut butter or paste and cook until well combined.

Shared meals and moments

These recipes were collected during a ShelterBox team visit. They help to reflect the people who shared their kitchens, time and food with us. In places affected by crisis and displacement, cooking and eating together remains a way of maintaining routine, connection and care.

Learn more about our work in Chad and the situation here.

The heading image shows our chef, who kindly shared his peanut and spinach stew recipe, pictured in Chad. 

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