Slow-Simmered Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach

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

A hearty West African-inspired vegetarian stew with creamy peanut butter, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant spinach leaves simmered in a spiced tomato broth. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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. 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: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger root, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the pot along with 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes.
  4. Step 4: Bring the stew to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Whisk 1/2 cup natural peanut butter into the stew until fully incorporated, then add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste and serve warm, ideally with steamed rice or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

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 Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach 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 Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach?

African vegetarian 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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