Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts
A traditional Cameroonian stew featuring bitterleaf greens braised with ground peanuts and tender beef, delivering rich, earthy flavors. This african-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs beef stew meat, chopped bitterleaf or fresh spinach, smooth peanut butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 4 cups, chopped bitterleaf or fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, diced tomatoes
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, finely chopped (optional) red chili pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef stew meat and brown on all sides for about 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, sauté 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 diced medium tomatoes and 1 small finely chopped red chili pepper (if using) to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Return the browned beef to the pot, pour in 2 cups water, and simmer covered over medium-low heat for 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped bitterleaf or spinach and 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, mixing well to combine. Cook uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste, then serve hot with steamed rice or fufu.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts?
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 beef stew meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts?
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 Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts 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 Braised Ndolé with Spinach and Peanuts?
African beef 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.
