Imagine a pot bubbling gently on the stove, filling your kitchen with the warm, nutty aroma of a richly spiced stew.
African Peanut Stew is a cozy hug in a bowl, offering a simple yet indulgent experience that’s incredibly easy to create.
As the vibrant ingredients meld together, a delicious transformation unfolds, turning everyday staples into a flavorful masterpiece.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking African Peanut Stew, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients. Gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and sweet potato.
- Measure out the olive oil, spices, vegetable broth, peanut butter, and chickpeas.
- Rinse and chop the kale, and chop the roasted peanuts for garnish.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- Minute 1-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Begin sautéing the chopped onion until translucent.
- Minute 6-7: Add garlic and ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute.
- Minute 8-12: Add bell pepper and sweet potato, stirring occasionally.
- Minute 13-14: Mix in cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
- Minute 15-16: Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Minute 17-31: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Minute 32-33: Stir in peanut butter until well incorporated.
- Minute 34-38: Add chickpeas and kale, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Minute 39: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Allow the stew to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Serving (2 minutes)
- Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and serve.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
Add bell pepper and sweet potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix in cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in peanut butter until well incorporated.
Add chickpeas and kale, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: A classic accompaniment that helps to soak up the rich, nutty flavors of the stew.
- Flatbread: Perfect for dipping and scooping, it adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy stew.
- Quinoa: Offers a nutritious and protein-packed alternative to rice, complementing the stew’s hearty ingredients.
- Couscous: This light and fluffy grain pairs well with the stew, adding a subtle texture without overpowering the flavors.
- Sautéed Spinach: A simple side that enhances the stew’s earthiness while adding a pop of color and additional nutrients.
Storage
To store African Peanut Stew, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently before serving.
Freezing
To freeze African Peanut Stew, allow it to cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat African Peanut Stew, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave in intervals.
Stir between each to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
African Peanut Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that showcases rich, nutty flavors.
It’s a wonderful blend of vegetables and spices, making it a perfect comfort food.
Consider pairing it with rice or flatbread to complement the stew.
Adjust the spice level to your liking for a personalized touch.
Enjoy the stew’s rich flavors and the added texture from the roasted peanuts.
It’s a delightful meal that brings a taste of African cuisine to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy for Texture?
You can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. It’ll provide a delightful crunch, enhancing the stew’s presentation. Make sure to stir well for even distribution, aligning the flavors seamlessly with the other ingredients. Enjoy the contrast!
Is It Possible to Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
You can definitely make this stew in a slow cooker. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger first. Then, combine all ingredients except kale and peanuts. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding kale 30 minutes before serving.
What Alternative Can Replace Sweet Potato in This Recipe?
You can swap sweet potato with butternut squash for a similar texture and sweetness. Its vibrant color enhances presentation, while its creamy consistency complements the stew’s rich flavors, offering a delightful twist to your dish.
How Can I Make This Stew Nut-Free for Allergies?
Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Use roasted sunflower seeds instead of peanuts for garnish. This maintains the stew’s rich, creamy texture and presentation while ensuring it’s safe for nut allergies.
Can I Add Meat to This Stew, and if So, What Type?
You can enhance the stew by incorporating chicken or beef. Sauté diced meat before adding onions for depth. Make certain it’s cooked through for peak flavor. This addition enriches the dish, offering a heartier presentation.
African Peanut Stew
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups kale chopped
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Add bell pepper and sweet potato and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in peanut butter until well incorporated.
- Add chickpeas and kale, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the stew rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts.
Notes
