Slow Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A rich and hearty peanut stew featuring tender sweet potatoes and a blend of warm spices, simmered to develop a creamy, comforting sauce. This african (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, red onion, 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Add 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 500g) and 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Whisk in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter until fully incorporated, then continue to simmer gently for another 10 minutes until the stew thickens and the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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.

Is Slow Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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