Stewed Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato
A rich and hearty West African lamb stew simmered with creamy peanut butter and ripe tomatoes for a flavorful, comforting meal. This african-inspired lamb ready in about 80 minutes pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, peanut butter (smooth), ripe plum tomatoes, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 2 cups ripe plum tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger root, grated
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lamb shoulder cubes and sear for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups diced ripe plum tomatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and thicken.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot and add 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 cups water, 1 tsp dried chili flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 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 Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato?
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 peanut butter (smooth) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato?
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 Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato 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 Senegalese Lamb with Peanut and Tomato?
African lamb 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.
