west african peanut stew recipe

west african peanut stew recipe

The Best west african peanut stew recipe

I’m so excited to share this West African peanut stew recipe with you all. I first discovered it on a trip to Ghana, where it was a staple dish in many households.

The rich flavors and aromas of the stew immediately won me over, and I knew I had to recreate it at home for my family. My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!)

The best part is that this stew is incredibly versatile – we enjoy it as a comforting meal on a chilly day, but it’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like peanuts, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each batch is met with rave reviews from my loved ones. One of the most impressive things about this stew is how easy it is to customize – feel free to add your favorite protein sources or spices to make it your own!

The technique behind making this stew involves browning the onions and garlic in oil before adding in the remaining ingredients. This process gives the stew its deep, caramelized flavor that we all love.

With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can create an authentic West African peanut stew that will transport your taste buds to another continent.

West African Peanut Stew

West African Peanut Stew

4.8 from 742 votes

A rich and comforting stew featuring peanut butter, tomatoes, and spices, served over rice. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated ginger
1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced
1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

For Serving

Cooked rice
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
3Cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
4Add sweet potatoes and chicken to the pot.
5Stir to combine with the onion mixture.
6Cook until chicken is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, peanut butter, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
8Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is fragrant.
9Pour in chicken broth and bring the stew to a boil.
10Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
11Stir in chickpeas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
12If the stew is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
13Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
14Serve the stew hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 7g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier stew, do not remove seeds from the Scotch bonnet peppers. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

Watch Video Of How West African Peanut Stew Works

West African Peanut Stew is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition, and it’s easy to make in large batches and freeze for later.

It’s a great dish for family gatherings, as it can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. I like to serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

The combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish that everyone will love.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About West African Peanut Stew

Q: What type of protein works best in this West African peanut stew?

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – you can use chicken, beef, lamb, or even plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. For our household, we prefer using chicken or beef because they add a nice depth of flavor to the stew.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! In fact, using a slow cooker is an excellent way to prepare this West African peanut stew. Simply brown the onions and garlic before transferring everything to the slow cooker – let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: Are peanuts really necessary in this recipe?

Peanuts are indeed an essential component of West African cuisine, but feel free to substitute them with other nutty ingredients like almonds or cashews if you’re allergic or prefer not to use peanuts.

Q: How do I serve this West African peanut stew?

We love serving this hearty stew over a bed of fluffy rice or with some crusty bread for dipping into the rich broth. You can also serve it as a main course with some steamed vegetables on the side.

Q: Can I store leftovers in the fridge or freezer?

Absolutely! In fact, West African peanut stew only gets better with time – refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to add some additional liquid (such as water or broth) if needed.

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