West African Spiced Tomato and Ginger Stew

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

A vibrant tomato stew infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and warm spices, perfect as a base or side dish. This ethiopian-inspired african (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs vegetable oil, large yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 35 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz canned diced tomatoes and 3 tbsp tomato paste, stirring well. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the tomatoes break down.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp minced scotch bonnet pepper (optional). Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until stew thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm as a flavorful sauce or side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does West African Spiced Tomato and Ginger Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 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 Spiced Tomato and Ginger 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in West African Spiced Tomato and Ginger 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 Spiced Tomato and Ginger Stew 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 West African Spiced Tomato and Ginger Stew 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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