Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew

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

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

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew?

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 fresh cassava leaves, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew?

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 Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew 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 Steamed Cassava Leaf and Peanut Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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