Spiced Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and Peanuts

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

A rich Cameroonian stew combining tender beef, bitterleaf greens, and ground peanuts for a hearty, flavorful dish. This african-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs beef stew meat, cubed, bitterleaf, washed and chopped, ground peanuts (peanut butter natural) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 60 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped small scotch bonnet pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb beef stew meat cubes to the pot and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes until sealed.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 40 minutes until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups chopped bitterleaf and 1/2 cup ground peanuts; stir well and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the greens soften.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper; adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with steamed rice or fufu.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and 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 beef stew meat, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and 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 Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and Peanuts 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 Spiced Ndolé Stew with Bitterleaf and Peanuts?

African beef 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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