Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf
A hearty Cameroonian stew combining bitterleaf greens with groundnuts and tender beef, simmered to rich, nutty perfection. This african-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs beef stew meat, peanut butter (unsweetened), medium, finely chopped onion 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
- 4 cups, chopped bitterleaf (or spinach as substitute)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1, diced red bell pepper
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, flaked smoked fish (optional)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 45 minutes until beef is tender.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups chopped bitterleaf and 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter, stirring well to combine. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the greens are tender.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and gently fold in 1/2 cup flaked smoked fish if using. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 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 Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
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 beef stew meat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
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 Groundnuts and Bitterleaf 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 Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
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.
