Obe Ata Nigerian Chicken Tomato and Pepper Stew

Name: Obe Ata (Nigerian Chicken, Tomato, and Pepper Stew)
Ingredients: 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (undrained); 2 large red bell peppers , roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 cups); 3 cups finely chopped red onion (about 2 onions), divided; 1/4 cup finely chopped peeled fresh ginger (about 1 [4-inch] piece), divided; 2 to 3 fresh habanero chiles , stemmed and seeded, if desired; 5 garlic cloves , peeled; 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 8 small thighs); 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon kosher salt , divided; 4 cups water; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Nigerian ata gigun (dry red pepper); Steamed white rice and fried sweet plantains, for serving (optional)