Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base

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

A hearty Tanzanian stew featuring tender green beans simmered in a rich tomato base with creamy peanut butter, served over rice. This african-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs green beans, peanut butter, onion 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups trimmed green beans, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until beans are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter until fully incorporated and the stew thickens. Simmer for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base?

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 green beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base?

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 Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base 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.

Is Green Bean and Peanut Stew with Tomato Base vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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