Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind

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

A hearty and sweet stew blending plantains and peanuts with a tangy tamarind twist, inspired by East African flavors. This west african-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs peanut butter (natural, unsweetened), medium, diced onion, minced garlic cloves 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 West 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 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 2 tbsp tamarind paste, stirring well to combine and cook for 2 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 large peeled and sliced plantains and 1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter, stirring to incorporate.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are tender and the stew is thickened.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind?

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 medium, diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind?

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 Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind 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 Sweet Plantain and Peanut Stew with Tangy Tamarind vegan?

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

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