Slow-Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A hearty, rich stew blending earthy peanuts and tender sweet potatoes, simmered with warm spices for a comforting and flavorful meal. This african (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), sweet potatoes, onion 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 African cuisine 320 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 finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice and 4 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 600g) and 1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter, whisking the peanut butter in until fully incorporated.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup water to adjust consistency. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and the stew thickens.
  8. Step 8: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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-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 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-Simmered West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegetarian?

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

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