African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe

Introduction

This African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy peanut butter with tender sweet potatoes and vibrant kale. It’s a hearty, nutritious meal perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you crave something warming and wholesome.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 lbs. (about 6 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger piece, grated
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups chopped kale
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ¼ cup shelled salted peanut halves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Add the peanut butter, cumin, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped kale, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very soft. Mash some of the sweet potatoes with a spoon to thicken the stew.
6. Step 6: Garnish the stew with fresh cilantro leaves and salted peanut halves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for a more authentic flavor.
• Substitute kale with spinach or collard greens if preferred.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in advance?

Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this stew spicy?

This stew has a mild warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less.

African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

A hearty and flavorful African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew featuring tender sweet potatoes, rich peanut butter, and a savory blend of spices. This comforting stew is perfect for a nutritious meal, packed with kale and garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts for added texture.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup/Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: African
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 lbs. (about 6 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 cups chopped kale
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ¼ cup shelled salted peanut halves

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and sauté onion: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add sweet potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to start softening them.
3. Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, and stir in the chunky peanut butter. Season with cumin, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Add kale and simmer: Add the chopped kale to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender. Mash a few sweet potato pieces with a spoon to naturally thicken the stew.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish the stew with fresh cilantro leaves and salted peanuts before serving for an added burst of flavor and crunch.

Notes

• You can use either chicken or vegetable broth based on dietary preferences.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Chunky peanut butter adds texture, but smooth peanut butter can be used if preferred.
• To make the stew vegan, use vegetable broth.
• Feel free to add other greens or vegetables based on availability.

Keywords: African, Sweet Potato, Peanut Stew, Kale, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Option, Gluten Free, Nutty Soup