Spiced Senegalese Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A rich and hearty vegan stew blending sweet potatoes and tomatoes with creamy peanut butter and warm African spices. This west african-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, large yellow onion, diced, medium red bell pepper, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 West African cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced red bell pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are toasted.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and the stew is thick and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and accompanied by steamed rice or flatbread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Senegalese 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 Spiced Senegalese 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 large yellow onion, diced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Senegalese 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 Spiced Senegalese 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 Spiced Senegalese Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, 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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