African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
