West African Peanut Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 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 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.

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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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