Savory African Peanut Stew with Kale and Chickpeas
This comforting African Peanut Stew is a delightful blend of flavors that transport you to the heart of West Africa! Created from treasured memories of my time in Rochester, NY, this luscious stew combines sweet potatoes, succulent carrots, and hearty chickpeas in a rich, aromatic broth enriched with peanut butter. Its smooth, creamy consistency and the warmth of spices make it perfect for cozy gatherings. Serve alongside crusty artisanal bread or enjoy it with rice for a nourishing meal. Every spoonful is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
canola oil
2 tablespoons (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
fresh ginger
1-2 tablespoons (finely minced)
jalapeno
1 (seeded and finely minced)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (none)
diced tomatoes
2 (14 ounce) cans (with juice)
low sodium vegetable broth
8 cups (none)
natural-style peanut butter
1/2 cup (none)
tamari soy sauce
1 tablespoon (to taste)
pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
sweet potato
1 lb (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
carrots
2 (cut into 1/2-inch dice)
cooked chickpeas
3 cups (none)
fresh okra
6 ounces (sliced thinly)
frozen green beans
1 cup (none)
kale
3 cups (finely chopped)
lime
1 (juice of)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
lime wedge
for garnish (none)
salted peanuts
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy stockpot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, jalapeño, and fresh ginger. Sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
2
Stir in the curry powder, letting it toast for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes along with their juice and gently scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
3
Whisk in the vegetable broth and natural-style peanut butter. Season the mixture with freshly cracked pepper and tamari sauce to taste. Raise the heat and bring it to a boil, cooking for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4
Add the sweet potato chunks, diced carrots, and cooked chickpeas to the pot. Cover partially and reduce the heat to low, simmering until the vegetables are tender, approximately 20 minutes.
5
Stir in the sliced okra and frozen green beans, cover partially, and cook for another 10 minutes. Once the vegetables are fully cooked, mix in the chopped kale and juice of one lime, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
6
When ready, ladle the stew into deep bowls and serve hot. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime, and chopped salted peanuts for an extra crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory African Peanut Stew?
Savory African Peanut Stew is a West African-inspired dish featuring a rich, aromatic broth made with peanut butter, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and a blend of spices like curry and ginger.
Is this African Peanut Stew recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth, plant-based proteins like chickpeas, and avoids all animal products.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
The recipe calls for natural-style peanut butter, which provides a better consistency and authentic flavor without added sugars or hydrogenated oils.
Can I make this stew gluten-free?
Yes, this stew is gluten-free as long as you use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
What are the main vegetables in this stew?
This recipe includes sweet potatoes, carrots, okra, frozen green beans, and fresh kale, making it a very nutrient-dense meal.
Is this recipe spicy?
The stew has a mild heat from the jalapeño and fresh ginger, which is balanced by the creamy peanut butter. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeño seeds.
How long does it take to cook this stew?
The total cooking time is approximately 60-70 minutes, including sautéing the aromatics and simmering the vegetables until tender.
What can I serve with African Peanut Stew?
This stew is excellent served over rice or accompanied by crusty artisanal bread to soak up the creamy peanut broth.
Can I substitute the kale with another leafy green?
Yes, you can easily substitute the kale with spinach or collard greens, though the cooking time for the greens may vary slightly.
Why is lime juice added at the end?
The acidity of the lime juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, providing a balanced finish.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked chickpeas, which is roughly equivalent to two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed.
What is the purpose of toasting the curry powder?
Toasting the curry powder for a few minutes in oil helps to bloom the spices, intensifying their flavor and aroma before the liquids are added.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
Can I freeze African Peanut Stew?
Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What if I don't like okra?
If you aren't a fan of okra, you can omit it or replace it with extra green beans or diced zucchini.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
While peanut butter is traditional, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the classic flavor profile.
What are the best garnishes for this stew?
Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chopped salted peanuts are highly recommended to add freshness, acidity, and a crunchy texture.
How should I prepare the fresh ginger?
The ginger should be peeled and finely minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the stew and provides a subtle warmth in every bite.
Can I use sweet potato instead of yams?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably in grocery stores; any orange-fleshed sweet potato works perfectly in this recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is highly nutritious, packed with fiber from the chickpeas and kale, healthy fats from the peanuts, and vitamins from the various vegetables.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Canola oil is recommended for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you could also use avocado oil or coconut oil.
How do I prevent the peanut butter from clumping?
Whisk the peanut butter into the warm vegetable broth thoroughly until the mixture is smooth before adding the vegetables.
Can I add meat to this stew?
While this is a vegetarian recipe, you can add cooked chicken or beef if desired, though the chickpeas already provide significant protein.
What size should I cut the sweet potatoes?
Cutting the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks ensures they cook through during the 20-minute simmer without becoming mushy.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but you can use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute if necessary.
What type of tomatoes are best?
Standard 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes work best. Use the juice as well to add acidity and body to the broth.
How do I reheat the stew?
Reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except the kale and lime to a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, adding the kale at the very end.
Does the stew get thicker as it sits?
Yes, the starch from the sweet potatoes and the peanut butter will cause the stew to thicken as it cools or sits overnight.
Is tamari better than soy sauce for this dish?
Tamari is often preferred for its richer, less salty flavor and because it is typically gluten-free, but standard soy sauce works as a substitute.