Savory West African Peanut Stew
Inspired by the traditional flavors of West Africa, this hearty peanut stew from the renowned Moosewood Restaurant is a warm, comforting dish that highlights the richness of ingredients like sweet potatoes and okra. The unique combination of spices, fresh tomatoes, and the nutty essence of peanut butter creates a flavorful experience that is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for sharing, this stew serves as a main course, bringing friends and family together around the table. Ideal for any occasion, it’s a great way to explore the vibrant flavors of African cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped onions
2 cups (Chopped)
peanut oil
2 tablespoons (Or vegetable oil)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
garlic
1 teaspoon (Pressed)
chopped cabbage
2 cups (Chopped)
cubed sweet potatoes
3 cups (1-inch cubes)
tomato juice
3 cups (N/A)
apple juice
1 cup (Or apricot juice)
salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
grated fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Peeled and grated)
fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (Chopped (optional))
chopped tomatoes
2 (Chopped)
chopped okra
1.5-2 cups (Chopped)
natural-style peanut butter
1/2 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the peanut or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 10 minutes or until they become translucent.
2
Stir in the cayenne pepper and pressed garlic, continuing to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3
Add the chopped cabbage and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cover and sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4
Pour in the tomato juice and apple (or apricot) juice. Season with salt, grated ginger, and add the chopped tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering the mixture for approximately 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
6
Fold in the okra and allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
7
Finally, stir in the natural-style peanut butter, placing the pot on a heat diffuser. Allow the stew to simmer gently until ready to serve, adding more juice or water if the stew becomes too thick.
8
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, just before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory West African Peanut Stew?
It is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by West African flavors, featuring sweet potatoes, okra, and a nutty peanut butter base.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
Is Savory West African Peanut Stew gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients and tags indicate that this recipe is gluten-free.
What are the primary vegetables in this stew?
The main vegetables include onions, cabbage, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and okra.
What type of peanut butter should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of natural-style peanut butter.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing?
You can use either peanut oil or vegetable oil.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed for about 10 minutes or until they become translucent.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
Ground cayenne pepper provides the spicy kick in this stew.
When should the garlic be added?
Add the pressed garlic after the onions have softened, and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
What liquid base is used for the stew?
The liquid base consists of 3 cups of tomato juice and 1 cup of apple or apricot juice.
Can I substitute apple juice?
Yes, apricot juice is suggested as a suitable alternative to apple juice.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to simmer?
They should simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until they are tender.
When is the okra added to the pot?
The okra is folded in after the sweet potatoes are tender and then simmered for an additional 5 minutes.
How is the fresh ginger prepared?
The gingerroot should be peeled and grated before being added to the stew.
What is the purpose of using a heat diffuser?
A heat diffuser is used when stirring in the peanut butter to allow the stew to simmer gently without scorching.
What should I do if the stew is too thick?
You can add more juice or water to reach your desired consistency if the stew becomes too thick.
Is cilantro required for this recipe?
No, fresh cilantro is an optional garnish added just before serving.
Does this recipe include fresh tomatoes?
Yes, it includes two chopped tomatoes in addition to the tomato juice.
What is the total simmering time for the vegetables?
The vegetables simmer for about 15 minutes for the potatoes and 5 minutes for the okra, totaling roughly 20 minutes.
Is this a Moosewood Restaurant recipe?
Yes, the recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors used at the renowned Moosewood Restaurant.
How much cabbage is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped cabbage.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be pressed before being added to the pot.
Can this dish be served as a main course?
Yes, this hearty stew is intended to be served as a main course for friends and family.
What flavor profile can I expect?
You can expect a rich, savory, and nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the potatoes and juice.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this stew considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious dish highlighting fresh vegetables and healthy ingredients.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either peanut oil or vegetable oil to be used.