Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

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

A hearty and creamy African-inspired stew featuring roasted peanuts, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach simmered with warm spices. This african-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger 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: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp peanut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 3 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 medium diced sweet potatoes (1-inch cubes) and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup ground roasted peanut paste until fully incorporated, cooking for 5 minutes to thicken the stew.
  7. Step 7: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 3 minutes until wilted.
  8. Step 8: Season with salt, black pepper to taste, and finish with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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 Savory Nigerian Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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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