Slow-Cooked Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew

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

A rich and hearty West African peanut stew simmered with tomatoes and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 60 minutes pairs peanut butter (smooth), diced tomatoes (canned), medium onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger root, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium diced red bell pepper and 2 medium sliced carrots to the pot, sautéing for 4 minutes until slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice and 4 cups vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 1 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, whisking until peanut butter is fully incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and aromatic.
  7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew?

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 Slow-Cooked Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew?

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 Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew 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.

Is Slow-Cooked Senegalese Peanut and Tomato Stew 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.