Spiced Cassava and Peanut Stew

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

A hearty vegan stew featuring tender cassava root simmered with tomatoes, peanuts, and warm spices, delivering a creamy, nutty, and comforting taste from Tanzania. This african-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs cassava root, peeled and diced, crushed peanuts, diced tomatoes (canned) 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: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 6 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp paprika, stirring for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups peeled and diced cassava root and 1 1/2 cups diced canned tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until cassava is tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup crushed peanuts and 2 cups fresh spinach leaves. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until spinach wilts and peanuts melt into the stew, thickening it.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve hot with flatbread or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Cassava and Peanut Stew 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 Cassava and Peanut Stew?

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 crushed peanuts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Cassava and Peanut Stew?

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 Cassava and Peanut Stew 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 Spiced Cassava and Peanut Stew 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.

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