Description
African Peanut Stew is a rich and hearty vegan dish combining the creaminess of peanut butter with tender sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and vibrant greens in a spiced tomato broth. This West African-inspired stew is perfect for a comforting, nourishing meal that’s both gluten-free and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Main Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened, creating a fragrant base for the stew.
- Add Spices and Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, infusing the oil and onions.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced sweet potato and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well, allowing the vegetables to get coated evenly with the spiced mixture.
- Add Liquids and Legumes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, scoop in the peanut butter, add the drained chickpeas, and pour the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a thick stew base.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to become tender and the stew to thicken.
- Add Greens: Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the greens wilt and integrate smoothly into the stew.
- Season and Serve: Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro if desired, for added texture and brightness.
Notes
- This stew is excellent served with steamed rice, quinoa, or flatbread for a wholesome meal.
- To increase heat, add more cayenne pepper or include a diced fresh chili.
- Experiment by substituting chickpeas with lentils or black beans for different flavors and textures.
- Leftovers develop even richer flavors and can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for future meals.
