Description
This African Peanut Stew is a hearty and flavorful vegan dish featuring sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and kale simmered in a rich and creamy peanut butter-infused vegetable broth. Perfectly spiced with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this West African-inspired stew is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for any plant-based diet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup natural peanut butter, smooth
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Spices and Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Add the diced sweet potato, chopped red bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Stir in the natural peanut butter, mixing thoroughly until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the broth.
- Add Greens: Add the chopped kale or spinach to the stew and cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- This stew pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or flatbread.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
