Spicy West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes

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

A hearty, creamy peanut stew featuring tender sweet potatoes and a rich, spiced tomato base, inspired by West African flavors. This west african-inspired african (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs large, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, fresh, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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 360 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 large diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 peeled and diced medium sweet potatoes, 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and stew has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the stew.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy West African 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 Spicy West African 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, diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy West African 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 Spicy West African 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 Spicy West African Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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