Slow-Cooked African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty African-inspired stew combining sweet potatoes and creamy peanut butter with warm spices for a comforting meal. This african-inspired new year (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, fresh, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook while stirring for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth, then add 2 medium diced sweet potatoes (about 500g).
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/3 cup natural peanut butter until well combined and simmer another 5 minutes to thicken.
  8. Step 8: Serve hot garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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.

Is Slow-Cooked African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegan?

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

What others are saying