Spiced African Tomato Stew with Peanuts
A hearty tomato-based stew infused with African spices and enriched with peanut butter for a creamy, nutty depth. This african-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs vegetable oil, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large, diced (about 1 cup) onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger root
- 28 oz (1 can) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup for garnish chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cups for serving cooked rice
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 large diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger root, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp ground coriander. Cook the mixture uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Whisk in 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter and 2 cups vegetable broth until fully incorporated and the stew is creamy.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Serve hot over 4 cups cooked rice and garnish each serving with 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced African Tomato Stew with Peanuts 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 Spiced African Tomato Stew with 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced African Tomato Stew with 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 Spiced African Tomato Stew with Peanuts 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 Spiced African Tomato Stew with Peanuts vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the authentic flavors! My family couldn't get enough of the tomato-peanut combo.
- ★★★★★
This is my new weeknight staple. So easy and packed with flavor!
- ★★★★★
Made it for my daughter's birthday dinner and it was a hit!
