Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and aromatic African stew featuring tender sweet potatoes and creamy peanut butter, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria’s Benue region. This african-inspired vegan ready in about 45 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to release their aromas.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes along with 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter until fully incorporated, stirring continuously to create a creamy texture.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Benue-Inspired African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

African vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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