Cecilia Wong, 5th & Glow — 25th February 2025
West African-Inspired Peanut Stew
This hearty, comforting peanut stew is rich, creamy, and packed with protein and veggies. It's a perfect blend of savory, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors—ideal for a cozy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts (for crunch, optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Stew:
Add the diced sweet potato and red bell pepper, stirring to coat with spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
3. Add the Peanut Butter & Beans:
Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
Add the chickpeas (or beans of choice) and let the stew simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Finish with Greens:
Stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Let cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve & Garnish:
Ladle the stew into bowls over cooked rice or quinoa.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Make It Your Own:
- Add shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Use butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes.
- Adjust spice levels to taste—more cayenne for heat or extra peanut butter for creaminess.
This West African-inspired peanut stew is packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients—a deliciously satisfying dish!
