Hearty Senegalese Sweet Potato & Black-Eyed Peas Stew
Experience the warmth and vibrancy of Senegalese cuisine with this hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Peas Stew. Inspired by a beloved recipe brought home from Goree Island, this dish combines nutritious yams, tender black-eyed peas, and fluffy rice, simmered in aromatic spices. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, especially on New Year’s Day, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both appetite and soul. Adjust the heat level with fresh hot peppers to match your preference for spice, making this a customizable delight for any palate.
17
Servings
198
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1/2 cup (none)
Onions
5 large (chopped)
Garlic
10 cloves (chopped)
Tomato Paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
Black-Eyed Peas
2 cups (pre-soaked)
Carrots
5 (well-chopped)
Yams or Sweet Potatoes
2 (well-chopped)
Rice
5 cups (none)
Vegetable Bouillon Cube
1 (none)
Salt
5 teaspoons (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Hot Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (adjust based on preference)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or vat, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the tomato paste, mixing thoroughly until well blended with the onion and garlic.
5
Pour in approximately 10 cups of water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, add the vegetable bouillon cube, followed by the pre-soaked black-eyed peas, chopped carrots, chopped yams, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper.
7
Reduce heat and let the stew boil until the beans are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
8
Carefully add the rice to the pot, ensuring it's evenly distributed but do not stir.
9
Cover the pot and boil for an additional 10 minutes.
10
After 10 minutes, uncover the pot and boil for another 10 minutes, checking consistency.
11
If the stew is too watery, continue to cook uncovered until the desired thickness is reached.
12
Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with your choice of hot sauce.
Nutrition Information
34g
Carbs
9g
Protein
10.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Senegalese Sweet Potato & Black-Eyed Peas Stew?
It is a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish inspired by Senegalese cuisine from Goree Island, featuring yams, black-eyed peas, and rice simmered with aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 17 servings.
Is this Senegalese stew vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable oil, vegetable bouillon, and plant-based ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 198 calories.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
The stew provides 10.5g of fiber per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of this stew?
There are 9g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 34g of carbohydrates.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of pre-soaked black-eyed peas.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yams?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 yams or sweet potatoes, well-chopped.
How many onions are required for this stew?
The recipe requires 5 large chopped onions.
How much garlic should I use?
You will need 10 chopped cloves of garlic.
What amount of rice is added to the pot?
The recipe uses 5 cups of rice.
Should I stir the rice after adding it to the stew?
No, the instructions specify to add the rice evenly but do not stir it.
How much water is needed for the base?
You should add approximately 10 cups of water to the mixture.
How long should I saute the onions?
Saute the onions over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are translucent.
What is the cooking time for the beans?
Boil the pre-soaked black-eyed peas and vegetables for about 30-40 minutes until the beans are tender.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the stew?
You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of fresh hot pepper used; the base recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon.
What should I do if the stew is too watery?
If the stew is too watery, continue to cook it uncovered after the rice is done until it reaches your desired thickness.
When is this dish traditionally served?
While perfect for any occasion, it is a popular crowd-pleaser for New Year’s Day gatherings.
What type of bouillon is used?
The recipe calls for one vegetable bouillon cube.
How much tomato paste is in the recipe?
One 6-ounce can of tomato paste is used.
How many carrots are included?
The recipe uses 5 well-chopped carrots.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Use 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
What is the recommended salt amount?
The recipe calls for 5 teaspoons of salt.
How long do I cook the rice in the pot?
Cook the rice for 10 minutes covered, followed by 10 minutes uncovered.
Is this recipe considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty meal and comfort food due to the combination of yams, beans, and rice.
What is the serving suggestion?
Serve the stew hot with your choice of extra hot sauce if desired.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be chopped and sautéed for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What is the primary flavor profile of this stew?
It is a savory, aromatic, and potentially spicy stew with natural sweetness from the yams and carrots.