Slow-Cooked African Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb slow-cooked in a rich tomato and peanut sauce, infused with regional African spices for deep savory warmth. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 170 minutes pairs cut into 1.5-inch cubes lamb shoulder, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Brown the lamb in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 large diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Return lamb to the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours until lamb is tender and sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked African Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked African Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut?

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 Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Cooked African Stewed Lamb with Tomato and Peanut?

African lamb 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.

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