If your taste buds are craving something cozy yet vibrant, the African Peanut Stew Recipe is the perfect dish to dive into. This hearty stew effortlessly combines the rich creaminess of natural peanut butter with the warmth of smoked paprika, ginger, and garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that feel both exotic and comforting. With tender sweet potatoes, fresh spinach, and optional meat or legumes, every spoonful delivers a delightful balance of texture and taste, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one contributes a crucial note to the final flavor, texture, or color that defines this African Peanut Stew Recipe. From the earthiness of sweet potatoes to the subtle heat of cayenne, these essentials bring the stew beautifully to life.
- Tomato sauce or diced canned tomatoes: Offers a tangy base that brightens the stew’s richness.
- Natural creamy peanut butter: Adds the signature nutty creaminess that balances the spices.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth enhancing the overall warmth of the dish.
- Ground coriander: Lends a slightly citrusy, earthy aroma for complexity.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect for those who enjoy a touch of heat without overpowering.
- Sea salt or kosher salt: Elevates all the flavors just right.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and aroma.
- Cooking oil: Essential for sautéing ingredients and developing flavor.
- Stew meat (chicken or beef): Provides protein and a satisfying bite, optional if you prefer vegetarian.
- Chopped onion: Forms the savory backbone of the stew.
- Minced garlic: Brings bold pungency and warmth.
- Grated fresh ginger or ground ginger: Brightens and adds zesty nuance.
- Sweet potatoes: Impart natural sweetness and creaminess once cooked.
- Sliced carrots (optional): Add sweetness and color contrast.
- Broth: Creates the stew’s liquid base, enhancing savory taste.
- Spinach leaves: Adds freshness and a pop of green nutrition.
How to Make African Peanut Stew Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
The magic starts with the sauce. Combine tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, peanut butter, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor until perfectly smooth. This blend is the key to that rich, creamy texture and bold flavor that defines the African Peanut Stew Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Meat (If Using)
Heat up a large pot and add your stew meat if you’re including it. Brown it on all sides for about 5 minutes to lock in flavor, then set it aside temporarily. This step adds delicious caramelized notes that deepen the stew’s taste.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add a little oil to your pot, then toss in chopped onions. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start releasing their sweetness. Stir in minced garlic and fresh or ground ginger and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, filling your kitchen with a fragrant welcome to what’s coming next.
Step 4: Build the Stew
Throw in your cubed sweet potatoes and optional sliced carrots, then pour in the prepared peanut sauce and broth. Add the chopped spinach for that lovely green burst. Return the browned meat to the pot if you’re using it. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover it, and let it cook for 40 to 60 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add more broth if you see the stew thickening too much before the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the sweet potatoes are soft and the meat is fork-tender, your African Peanut Stew Recipe is ready to enjoy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thicker stew, simply leave the pot uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce the liquid.
How to Serve African Peanut Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this stew takes it from wonderful to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts for crunch and texture. A handful of fresh cilantro leaves adds a burst of herbal brightness that perfectly balances the stew’s richness.
Side Dishes
This stew shines with simple sides. Serving it over fluffy cooked rice or quinoa gives it heartiness and helps soak up the luscious sauce. You can also offer warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of the peanut goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the African Peanut Stew Recipe in small bowls as part of a vibrant dinner spread alongside other African-inspired dishes like spicy jollof rice or fried plantains. For gatherings, try layering the stew over roasted root vegetables or even roasted cauliflower steaks to provide a gluten-free, elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover African Peanut Stew Recipe keeps brilliantly well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen, making each reheated serving even more delicious.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and keep for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a ready-made meal anytime.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the stew on the stove over medium-low heat. Adding a splash of broth or water helps bring back the perfect stew consistency and keeps the flavors vibrant, avoiding dryness or separation that can happen with peanut butter-based sauces.
FAQs
Can I make the African Peanut Stew Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meat for chickpeas or cooked lentils to maintain a hearty, protein-packed stew that’s just as satisfying and rich in flavor.
Is the peanut butter in the stew crunchy or smooth?
Natural creamy peanut butter works best for its smooth texture and ability to blend seamlessly into the sauce without clumps, making every spoonful silky and rich.
How spicy is this African Peanut Stew Recipe?
The heat level is flexible! The recipe includes cayenne pepper as optional, so feel free to adjust or omit it according to your spice preference. You can also add fresh chili peppers for more kick.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes! Kale, collard greens, or swiss chard make great substitutes, just add them a bit earlier in the cooking process since they tend to be tougher than spinach.
What if I don’t have ground coriander?
No worries! Use ground cumin instead; about three-quarters of a teaspoon will add a similar warm, earthy note that complements the other spices beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This African Peanut Stew Recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something soul-warming and extraordinary. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it at home—you’ll love the satisfying richness and comforting hug of flavors waiting for you with every bite.
PrintAfrican Peanut Stew Recipe
This hearty African Peanut Stew combines creamy peanut butter, smoky spices, and tender sweet potatoes into a comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Featuring a rich tomato-based sauce with a balance of smoked paprika, cayenne, and ginger, this stew can be made with chicken, beef, or enjoyed as a vegetarian meal with chickpeas or lentils. Served over rice or quinoa and garnished with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts, it’s a flavorful and nutritious meal inspired by traditional West African cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 60 minutes
- Total Time: 55 to 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce or plain diced canned tomatoes
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter (no stir work best)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (adjust as needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander (see note)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Stew
- ½ to 1 tablespoon (7–15 ml) cooking oil (use 1 tablespoon if not browning meat)
- 1 pound (450 g) stew meat — chicken or beef
- 1 cup (130 g) chopped onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 small cloves)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 10 ounces (280 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 small)
- ⅔ cup (85 g) sliced carrots (optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) broth, plus more as needed
- 2 cups (60 g) spinach leaves, chopped or 3 cups baby spinach
For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Alternatively, whisk together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Stovetop Method: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add meat (if using) and brown for about 5 minutes, turning once. Remove and set aside. Add oil to the pot. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes and carrots. Stir in the prepared sauce, broth, and spinach. Return meat to the pot if using. Cover and simmer for 40–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and meat is cooked through. Add extra broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Instant Pot Instructions: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil. If using meat, brown it first. Add onion and garlic; cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, sauce, and broth. Lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes. Allow natural pressure release before opening.
- Crock Pot – Slow Cooker Instructions: Make the sauce and set aside. (Optional) Brown meat with onion and garlic in a skillet. Add meat (if using), sweet potatoes, carrots, sauce, broth, and spinach to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on Low for 4½–5 hours or on High for 3 hours, checking at 2 hours for doneness.
- Serving: Serve the stew hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Top with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced peppers for extra flavor and texture if desired.
Notes
- Coriander Substitute: ¾ teaspoon ground cumin may be used in place of ground coriander.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace meat with 1 (15-ounce / 425 g) can chickpeas or 1½ cups cooked lentils.
- Adjust the Heat: For mild flavor, omit cayenne pepper. Add chili flakes or fresh peppers for extra spice.
- Thicker Stew: Simmer uncovered during the last 10 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
