African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew Recipe
This African Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew is a rich, warming dish that combines tender sweet potatoes, creamy peanut butter, and hearty kale in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Infused with garlic, ginger, cumin, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal that celebrates African-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup/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 ginger piece, 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
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup shelled salted peanut halves
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop the stew’s base flavor.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the peeled and diced sweet potatoes. Cook them for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to start softening and slightly caramelizing the edges.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Mix in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, which enhances the stew’s aromatic profile.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the chunky peanut butter, cumin, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Kale and Simmer: Stir in the chopped kale. Reduce heat to low and simmer the stew for 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender. Use a spoon to mash some of the sweet potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the stew naturally.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and salted peanut halves for crunch and added flavor.
Notes
- You can use either chicken or vegetable broth, depending on dietary preference.
- Chunky peanut butter is preferred for texture, but smooth peanut butter can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- This stew thickens as it cools, so you can add a little water or broth when reheating if desired.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and confirm that the peanut butter contains no animal products.
Keywords: African stew, sweet potato stew, peanut stew, kale stew, vegetarian stew, hearty soup, African cuisine
