Spiced West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty vegan stew featuring rich peanut butter, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant leafy greens simmered in fragrant spices. This african-inspired african (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), medium yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; stir to coat sweet potatoes in the spices for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 3 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter into the stew until fully incorporated and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 cups chopped kale, 1 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for another 5 minutes until kale is wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over each bowl.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens?

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 medium yellow onion, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens?

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 West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens 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 West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Greens 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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