A gentle, resinous warmth rises from the pot where chicken simmers with tomato and ginger: Place des Épices’ Selim peppercorns, from a berry that grows wild across West Africa, add their surprising lemony, cocoa-like notes.

Serves 4 · 1 h

  1. Toast 1 tsp of the Selim peppercorns in a dry pan for 1 minute, then crush them coarsely.
  2. Brown 2 lb (900 g) bone-in chicken thighs in 2 tbsp oil, then set aside.
  3. In the same pot, soften 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, then add the Selim pepper, 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes and 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth.
  4. Return the chicken, cover and simmer for 35 minutes, until cooked through and tender, then serve with rice or plantains.

The star of this recipe: Selim Peppercorns, by Place des Épices.

— Clipperton