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 hearty sweet potatoes and fresh kale. It’s a warming stew perfect for cool evenings and packed with rich, satisfying flavors.

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 vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 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 an additional 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 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. Use a spoon to mash some of the potatoes to help thicken the stew.
6. Step 6: Serve the stew garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and salted peanut halves for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, richer flavor and avoid overly processed varieties.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add a splash of lime juice before serving for a fresh, tangy brightness.
• Swap kale with spinach or collard greens if preferred.

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 becomes too thick during storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, this stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just cool completely before refrigerating and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and hearty meal option for those with gluten sensitivities.

African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

This African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender sweet potatoes simmered in a rich tomato and peanut butter broth, seasoned with aromatic spices and finished with fresh kale and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for a comforting vegan and gluten-free dinner.

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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 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

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Instructions

1. Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build the stew’s aromatic base.
2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the potatoes to start softening.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds to release their flavors without burning.
4. Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and add the chunky peanut butter, cumin, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer with Kale: Once boiling, 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 naturally.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro leaves and shelled salted peanut halves for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can use vegetable broth to keep the stew vegan, or chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option.
• Chunky peanut butter adds texture and richness; smooth peanut butter can be used but may alter the stew’s consistency.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
• For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils.
• This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld nicely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup/Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: African

Keywords: African stew, sweet potato stew, peanut butter stew, vegan stew, gluten free stew, kale stew, one pot meal