west african stew recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best west african stew recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich culinary heritage of West Africa, and one dish that has captured my heart is the West African stew recipe. This hearty stew is a staple in many West African countries, and its flavors and aromas transport me to the vibrant markets and bustling streets of Accra, Lagos, and Dakar. The moment I take my first bite, I’m transported to a world of spices, herbs, and slow-cooked meats that are simply irresistible.

My family loves this recipe just as much as I do, and we often find ourselves gathering around the table to enjoy it together. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this stew is always a crowd-pleaser. But what really sets it apart is the way it’s made with love and care, using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of cooks.

The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together in a way that’s simply magic. I could go on and on about this recipe, but the truth is, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our household. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, even for those who are new to cooking. All you need is some basic ingredients like chicken or beef, onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. And don’t even get me started on the health benefits – this stew is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins that will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

So go ahead, give it a try! You won’t regret it.

West African Peanut Stew

West African Peanut Stew

4.9 from 1424 votes

This hearty West African Peanut Stew combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and collard greens in a rich, creamy peanut broth. The stew is simmered with aromatic ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for a deeply flavorful and satisfying one-pot meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stew

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
4 cups chopped collard greens (stems removed)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

Cooked white rice or crusty bread
Chopped roasted peanuts
Fresh cilantro leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Stir in the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
6Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
7Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8Add the cubed sweet potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
9Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
11Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully dissolved and the broth is smooth and creamy.
12Add the chopped collard greens and stir until they are wilted, about 2 minutes.
13Return the pot to medium heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, until the greens are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
14Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
15Serve the stew hot over cooked rice or with crusty bread.
16Garnish each bowl with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves for added crunch and freshness.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 7g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add an extra can of chickpeas and more sweet potatoes for protein and bulk. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

Watch Video Of How West African Peanut Stew Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – whether you’re looking for leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch or want to prep meals for the week ahead. Simply let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing for up to 3 months.

When reheating leftover stew for an easy meal any time of day or night – no fuss no muss! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate them within two hours after cooking – then freeze them once cooled if needed – so don’t let me tell you what else…

this recipe never fails.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About West African Peanut Stew

1. What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

The choice of meat is entirely up to you! Traditionally, West African stew recipes use tougher cuts of meat like beef or lamb because they’re perfect for slow-cooking. However, you can also use chicken or even fish if you prefer a lighter option.

2. Can I make this stew in a pressure cooker?

While it’s technically possible to make this stew in a pressure cooker, I would recommend against it. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together in a way that’s simply impossible with high-pressure cooking.

3. How long does this stew take to cook?

This stew typically takes around 2-3 hours to cook over low heat – yes, you read that right! The slow-cooking process allows the meat to tenderize beautifully and the flavors to blend together in harmony.

4. Can I store leftover stew in the fridge?

Absolutely! In fact, leftover stew is often even more flavorful than freshly cooked food because all the flavors have had time to meld together.

5. How do I reheat leftover stew?

To reheat leftover stew, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

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