Stewed Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce

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

Ripe plantains simmered in a rich, spicy peanut and tomato sauce, offering a sweet and savory Cameroonian-inspired comfort dish. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends smooth peanut butter, tomato paste, large, finely chopped onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 African cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp red chili powder, cooking for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and aromas develop.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter and 2 cups water, stirring continuously until the peanut butter fully incorporates into a smooth sauce.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 medium ripe plantains peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces, folding gently to coat them in the sauce. Season with salt to taste and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cover the saucepan and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stewed Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stewed Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce 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 Stewed Plantains with Spicy Peanut Sauce 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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