Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf
A traditional Cameroonian dish featuring bitterleaf simmered with groundnuts and tender beef, creating a rich and hearty stew. This african-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs fresh bitterleaf, beef stew meat, cubed, red palm oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 200 g fresh bitterleaf
- 150 g ground peanuts (peanut butter can substitute)
- 500 g beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 tbsp red palm oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 small hot chili pepper, chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 200 g of fresh bitterleaf thoroughly to reduce bitterness, then chop finely and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, heat 4 tbsp of red palm oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 500 g of cubed beef stew meat to the pot, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 diced medium tomatoes and 1 small chopped hot chili pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Mix in 150 g of ground peanuts (or peanut butter), then pour in 3 cups of water, stirring to combine evenly.
- Step 6: Add the chopped bitterleaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot with boiled plantains or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 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 Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
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 bitterleaf from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
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 Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf 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.
What goes well with Stewed Ndolé with Groundnuts and Bitterleaf?
African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
