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 nutritious kale. It’s a hearty, satisfying stew perfect for cozy evenings and packed with rich, warming spices.

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 of 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. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the 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 and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 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. Use a spoon to mash some of the sweet potatoes, which will 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

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Substitute kale with spinach or collard greens if you prefer a milder green.
• If you like a smoother texture, use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 the stew has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stew vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your peanut butter contains no animal products.

Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 137 reviews

This African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and creamy dish perfect for a nourishing meal. Combining sweet potatoes, savory peanut butter, and a medley of spices, this stew offers a rich taste of African-inspired cuisine. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and packed with nutritious ingredients including kale and tomatoes, making it both comforting and wholesome.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Stew
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: African
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 (for garnish)
• ¼ cup shelled salted peanut halves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Cook Onion: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Sweet Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to slightly soften the potatoes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning.
4. Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, the canned diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of chunky peanut butter. Season with 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and bring to a boil.
5. Add Kale and Simmer: Add 3 cups of chopped kale to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are very soft. For a thicker stew, mash some of the sweet potatoes gently with a spoon while simmering.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves and ¼ cup shelled salted peanut halves before serving for added texture and fresh flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and ensure the peanut butter contains no non-vegan additives.
• If you prefer a spicier stew, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper.
• Serve with rice, flatbread, or enjoy as a hearty soup on its own.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: African stew, sweet potato, peanut butter stew, kale stew, vegetarian stew, hearty soup, peanut stew, gluten free African recipe