Senegalese Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach
A hearty and creamy peanut stew simmered with sweet potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes, delivering rich West African flavors in a comforting vegetarian dish. This african-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs peanut butter, smooth, fresh spinach leaves, (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 2 medium (about 500g) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 can (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices bloom and become aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes and 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 4: Whisk in 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter until fully incorporated and the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the stew.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness. Serve hot over steamed rice or with crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Senegalese Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Senegalese 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 peanut butter, smooth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Senegalese 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 Senegalese 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 Senegalese 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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