West African Peanut Stew

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

A hearty stew made with groundnuts, tomatoes, leafy greens, and spices, served with boiled yams or rice. This west african-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs groundnuts, medium tomatoes, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 West African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic, chopped chili, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 2 minutes until the onions are caramelized and the chili is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly collapsed.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup groundnuts and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 10 minutes until the groundnuts are softened and the mixture thickens.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups leafy greens and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve with boiled yams or rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does West African Peanut Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 West African 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 groundnuts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in West African 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 West African Peanut Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 West African Peanut Stew?

West African soups 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.

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