Best 9 Authentic West African Peanut Stew Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant heart of West Africa and discover the secrets to creating an authentic and delectable peanut stew. This savory dish, a symphony of flavors and textures, captures the essence of West African cuisine with its creamy, nutty sauce, tender meats, and aromatic spices. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will provide you with the essential steps, tips, and ingredient recommendations to craft an unforgettable peanut stew that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the bustling markets and kitchens of West Africa.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW



West African Peanut Stew image

Peanuts are the star of this hearty plant-based stew that's inspired by the cuisine of West Africa. Featuring superfoods like sweet potatoes, collard greens, and millet, it uses the humble peanut two different ways: peanut butter to thicken the brothy base, and roasted and chopped, to provide a crunchy contrast to the tender vegetables.

Provided by Greg Lofts

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegan Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 bunch collard greens (12 ounces), stems removed, cut into 2-inch pieces (4 cups)
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Steamed millet, chopped roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high until shimmering. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden in places, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 minute more.
  • Add collard greens, sweet potato, peanut butter, and broth. Bring to a boil, stirring until peanut butter dissolves into broth. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape, 18 to 20 minutes. Serve stew topped with millet, peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW (VEGAN)



WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW (VEGAN) image

Thick, hearty and delicious this vegan West African Peanut Stew is made in one pot and ready in about 30 minutes making it a perfect weeknight meal!

Provided by Julie | The Simple Veganista

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/3 cup water (for water saute)
1 large onion, diced
5 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
2 - 3 tablespoons ginger, grated
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 - 2 chili peppers (jalapeno, serrano, scotch bonnet or habanero peppers), diced*
2 - 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 can (15oz.) diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water (or combo)
3/4 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or smooth)
5 oz. fresh spinach, chopped if not using baby spinach**
2 small lemons, juice of
mineral salt & pepper, to taste
fresh cilantro, chopped
peanuts, crushed or whole
dash of hot sauce (sriracha, franks hot sauce or red pepper flakes), optional
grain of choice (rice, quinoa or couscous), optional

Steps:

  • In a large pot, heat oil or water over medium heat, add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers and saute for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
  • Add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spices and liquids, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork tender.
  • Turn off heat and stir in the peanut butter, and finish with the spinach and lemon juice. Soup will thicken upon cooling. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Serves 4 - 6
  • Serve in individual bowls with optional grain of choice (this cilantro lime rice would be great) and garnish with cilantro and peanuts. Soup pairs wonderfully with naan bread for soaking and dipping!
  • Leftovers will keep for 5 days in a covered container in the refrigerator. To store longer, keep in the freezer for up to 2 months in freezer friendly containers or baggies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276 calories, Sugar 7.4 g, Sodium 201.4 mg, Fat 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 15 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW



West African Peanut Stew image

A hearty stew that's super-easy to make and great for peanut butter lovers. Can be made vegetarian or with chicken. In a pinch, feel free to use vegetable or corn oil for peanut oil, powdered ginger for fresh, water for stock, etc. Kale works well in place of collard greens.

Provided by km1312

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Chicken

Time 1h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1 pound chicken, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
5 cups chicken stock
3 small sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
1 (16 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
¼ pound collard greens, roughly chopped
1 cup chunky peanut butter

Steps:

  • Heat the peanut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; cook and stir the onion, garlic, and ginger in the hot oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken; cook and stir until completely browned. Season with the crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour the chicken stock over the mixture. Stir the sweet potatoes into the liquid and bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover the pot partially with a lid, and cook at a simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir the tomatoes, collard greens, and peanut butter into the soup. Partially cover the pot again and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, another 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 730.6 calories, Carbohydrate 44.9 g, Cholesterol 70.1 mg, Fat 43.8 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 45.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 1470.3 mg, Sugar 14.5 g

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW



West African Peanut Stew image

One-pot meals are staples in Gullah-Geechie households, and this dish is a special one to me. West African enslaved people were brought to the Low Country, and with them they brought their indigenous foods like collards, tomatoes, peanuts and rice. This stew has all of those ingredients, and it's delicious served on its own or over rice.

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil
1 large fryer chicken, cut into stewing pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 chicken bouillon cubes
One 14.5-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 1/2 cups all-natural peanut butter
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced and seeds removed
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 small bunch collard greens, stems removed, leaves sliced
Hot cooked rice, for serving, optional

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven until hot. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides, about 20 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and bouillon cubes to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste and peanut butter. Add 4 cups of water and the Scotch bonnet pepper. Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and let simmer 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes and collard greens. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. (Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper if someone has a low tolerance for heat.)
  • Serve warm with hot cooked rice, if using.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW



West African Peanut Stew image

Variations of peanut (or groundnut, as they are locally called) soups and stews are eaten across West Africa. I adapted this recipe from several different cookbooks + my own preferences. Savory, spicy, filling, healthy and quick to make! Omit the chicken for a vegan version and/or feel free to add in more vegetables (yams, eggplant, or squash could be good, I think). *NOTE* If possible, try to use Recipe #13953 if you don't have berbere on hand . Cayenne is an acceptable substitute, but really doesn't do the dish justice like Berbere would. Even just adding a pinch or two of the different spices in the Berbere mix would suffice!

Provided by Sephardi Kitchen

Categories     Curries

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon canola oil or 1 teaspoon peanut oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
1 jalapeno pepper, diced (or serrano if you like it more spicy)
2 chicken breasts, finely chopped
2 -3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1/2-1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon berbere, spice powder (or cayenne)
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
black pepper, to taste
1 -2 teaspoon sugar
3 -4 cups water or 3 -4 cups broth
1/2-1 cup crunchy peanut butter (adjust to taste)
peanuts, for garnish (optional)
1 dash lemons (optional) or 1 dash lime juice (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan. Add the onions, garlic and ginger; cook until the onion is translucent. Add the chili pepper(s), heat for several more minutes.
  • Add the chicken, turmeric, berbere, and cloves. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is done.
  • Add the tomatoes, grated carrot and any other vegetables you want to use. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the water or broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the peanut butter and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir well for 5-10 minutes, or until the peanut butter dissolves. Add the sugar and lemon/lime juice (if using). Taste, and adjust any ingredients to taste. Simmer for 5-10 minutes longer. Serve hot with toasted bread.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW WITH SWEET POTATO & SPINACH



West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potato & Spinach image

Sweet potatoes, peanut butter, spinach, cumin ... the comforting combo results in the heartiest, most flavorful vegan stew around.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (diced) (about 2 cups)
3 medium cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced) (about 2 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground red cayenne pepper (plus or minus to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups packed fresh baby spinach
2 cups cooked brown rice
Fresh cilantro
Chopped salted peanuts

Steps:

  • Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  • While the rice cooks, make the stew. Set a medium soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. When hot, add the olive oil and the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  • Add the broth, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, ginger, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once the stew comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until the sweet potatoes are tender, 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the peanut butter and the spinach. Stew is done when the peanut butter has distributed and the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like.
  • Serve with a scoop of brown rice and garnish with cilantro and peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470 kcal, Sugar 10 g, Sodium 530 mg, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Carbohydrate 60 g, Fiber 10 g, Protein 15 g, ServingSize 1 serving

WEST AFRICAN-STYLE PEANUT STEW WITH CHICKEN



West African-Style Peanut Stew with Chicken image

African-inspired spices infuse the peanut butter and tomato base of this hearty one-pot stew starring chicken, sweet potatoes, and collard greens. This recipe, which appeared in Allrecipes magazine's Dec/Jan 2020 issue, comes from Ellie's new cookbook, "Whole in One: Complete, Healthy Meals in a Single Pot, Sheet Pan, or Skillet". This keeps up to 4 days, chilled in an airtight container.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Chicken

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt, divided
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
2 cups diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juices
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
½ bunch collard greens, tough ribs removed and leaves chopped
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
⅓ cup natural peanut butter
6 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Steps:

  • Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken; cook until no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and remaining chicken.
  • Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Add onion; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring, 30 seconds.
  • Stir in broth, tomatoes, sweet potato, collard greens, and red bell peppers; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Return chicken and accumulated juices to the pot. Return to a boil, then stir in peanut butter; simmer until incorporated and chicken is cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 444.2 calories, Carbohydrate 32.9 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, Fat 21.2 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 33.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 702.1 mg, Sugar 11 g

WEST AFRICAN GROUNDNUT STEW (MOOSEWOOD)



West African Groundnut Stew (Moosewood) image

This is from the excellent Moosewood Restaurant of NY. (Trying for the first time, will add to description once we know more) Reprinted from Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant, Copyright © 1990 by Moosewood, Inc. Simon and Schuster, publisher.

Provided by jordanpoling

Categories     Stew

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups chopped onions
2 tablespoons peanut oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic, pressed
2 cups chopped cabbage
3 cups cubed sweet potatoes (1-inch cubes)
3 cups tomato juice
1 cup apple juice or 1 cup apricot juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated peeled gingerroot, fresh
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, fresh (optional)
2 chopped tomatoes
1 1/2-2 cups chopped okra
1/2 cup natural-style peanut butter

Steps:

  • Sauté the onions in the oil for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cayenne and garlic and sauté for a couple more minutes. Add the cabbage and sweet potatoes and sauté, covered for a few minutes. Mix in the juices, salt, ginger, cilantro, and tomatoes. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add the okra and simmer for 5 minutes more. Stir in the peanut butter, place the pan on a heat diffuser, and simmer gently until ready to serve. Add more juice or water if the stew is too thick.

AFRICAN PEANUT SWEET POTATO STEW



African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew image

Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. -Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h20m

Yield 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
3 garlic cloves, halved
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas or garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup water
8 cups chopped fresh kale
Chopped peanuts and additional cilantro leaves, optional

Steps:

  • Place the first 8 ingredients in a food processor; process until pureed. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir in sweet potatoes, beans and water., Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender, adding kale during the last 30 minutes. If desired, top each serving with chopped peanuts and additional cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 624mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 11g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

Tips:

  • Use top-notch ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and creamy peanut butter are key to an exceptional peanut stew. Opt for ripe tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and succulent carrots for vibrant flavors.
  • Roast the peanuts for enhanced flavor: Roasting the peanuts prior to blending adds a delightful depth of flavor to the stew. This step intensifies the nutty essence and imparts a smoky aroma.
  • Simmer for depth: Allow the stew to simmer gently for an extended period to meld all the flavors harmoniously. This crucial step allows the spices to infuse the broth, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
  • Adjust the consistency to your liking: Peanut stew can be enjoyed in various consistencies, from a thick and hearty rendition to a more brothy version. Regulate the amount of water or broth added to achieve your desired texture.
  • Garnish with flair: Before serving, elevate the dish with a vibrant garnish. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, parsley, or scallions for a refreshing touch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a cooling contrast to the stew's richness.

Conclusion:

Embark on a culinary journey to West Africa with this tantalizing peanut stew recipe. With its symphony of flavors, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices, this delectable dish encapsulates the essence of authentic African cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal at home or shared during joyous gatherings, this peanut stew promises to transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary delight.

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