Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

A hearty vegetarian stew combining tender cassava leaves with creamy peanut butter and vibrant spices, gently steamed to meld flavors. This African-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs fresh cassava leaves, chopped, peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), onion, diced 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.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh cassava leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 small finely chopped red chili; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 medium chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they break down and release juices.
4. Step 4: Add 3 cups chopped fresh cassava leaves and stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Cover and steam the mixture gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Continue simmering uncovered for another 10 minutes until the stew thickens and flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness. Serve hot with rice or flatbread.