Homemade African Peanut Stew
This rich and satisfying African peanut stew combines creamy natural peanut butter with tender sweet potatoes and nutritious greens in a warming, aromatic broth. Perfect for cold nights when you want something both comforting and nourishing, this one-pot wonder delivers bold flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil olive or vegetable
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 –2 inch fresh ginger peeled and minced
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 bunch collard greens or spinach chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup natural peanut butter unsweetened
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 minced jalapeño optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add diced sweet potato, chopped greens, and tomato paste. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat vegetables.
- Whisk in peanut butter, cumin, and cayenne (if using) until well combined.
- Gradually add broth while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, stir in 1-2 cups of cooked chicken, chickpeas, or black-eyed peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Natural peanut butter works best as it doesn't contain added sugars that can make the stew overly sweet.
Kale can be substituted for collard greens, and baby spinach can be added in the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent wilting.
The stew can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot.
Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a dollop of plain yogurt for extra flavor and texture.
Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 780mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g