Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts
A traditional Cameroonian stew combining tender beef, bitterleaf, and ground peanuts for a rich, hearty flavor. This african-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), red palm oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups bitterleaf (or spinach as substitute), washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 3 tbsp red palm oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef stew meat and brown on all sides for 5 minutes until sealed and golden.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 medium diced fresh tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down and meld with the beef.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups chopped bitterleaf and 2 cups water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup natural peanut butter with a few tablespoons of cooking liquid from the pot until smooth.
- Step 6: Stir the peanut butter mixture back into the pot along with 3 tbsp red palm oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts?
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 red palm oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts?
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-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts 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.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Bitterleaf and Peanuts?
African beef 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.
