Name: African Peanut Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (grated); 1 inch ginger (grated); 1 teaspoon cumin; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1½ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and diced); 4 cups vegetable broth (or more if needed); 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup peanut butter (creamy); 6 ounces spinach (substitute kale); 1 lime (squeezed); Naan bread (or whole grain rice); Quick pickled red onions (+ crushed peanuts)

why make this recipe

African Peanut Stew is a comforting and hearty dish packed with flavor and nutrition. It combines sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and spinach with creamy peanut butter to create a rich and creamy stew. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a wonderful balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, which means it can cater to various dietary needs.

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how to make African Peanut Stew

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (grated)
1 inch ginger (grated)
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1½ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into large bite-size pieces)
4 cups vegetable broth (or more if needed)
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup peanut butter (best if creamy, without salt and sugar)
6 ounces spinach (substitute kale)
1 lime (squeezed)
Naan bread (or whole grain rice)
Quick pickled red onions (+ crushed peanuts)

Directions

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft.
Stir in 3 grated cloves of garlic, 1 inch of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add in 1½ pounds of diced sweet potatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of chickpeas, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and stir in ½ cup of peanut butter. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Stir in 6 ounces of spinach and cook for a few seconds or until wilted. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Serve topped with crushed, toasted peanuts, a squeeze of lime juice, and some pickled red onions. Enjoy with naan or brown rice.

how to serve African Peanut Stew

Serve African Peanut Stew warm, either on its own or over a bed of brown rice. You can also enjoy it with warm naan or pita bread. The stew pairs wonderfully with quick pickled red onions and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top for added texture.

how to store African Peanut Stew

To store African Peanut Stew, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra vegetable broth if needed.

tips to make African Peanut Stew

Ensure you use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes based on your preference.
For a thicker stew, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the peanut butter.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.

variation (if any)

You can swap out sweet potatoes for other hearty root vegetables like butternut squash. If you prefer a non-vegan version, feel free to add cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein.

FAQs

1. Is African Peanut Stew spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes added. For a milder stew, reduce or omit them altogether.

2. Can I use other types of greens in place of spinach?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of spinach. Just ensure to cook them until they are wilted.

3. How do leftovers taste?
Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld together. Just remember to store it properly and reheat thoroughly before serving.