West African Peanut Stew
Inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of West Africa, this hearty peanut stew combines tender chicken and beef with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter and a touch of heat from ground red pepper. Often referred to as Groundnut Stew due to the British colonial term for peanuts, this dish is a perfect blend of savory and spicy flavors. It can be served with fluffy rice or creamy mashed sweet potatoes, making it a delightful and filling one-dish meal.
8
Servings
438
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
broiler-fryer chickens
3 lbs (cut into pieces)
cooking oil
3 tablespoons (none)
beef stew meat
1 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
onions
2 medium (chopped)
green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
canned tomatoes
28 ounces (cut up)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground red pepper
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
peanut butter
3/4 cup (none)
mashed sweet potatoes or hot cooked rice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add cooking oil and brown the chicken pieces for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Remove and set aside, reserving drippings in the pan.
2
To the same pan, add beef, onions, and green pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
3
Stir in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, salt, and the desired amount of ground red pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes to marry the flavors.
4
Return the chicken pieces to the pan, cover, and continue to simmer for an additional 20 minutes until cooked through.
5
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually stir the melted peanut butter into the stew, ensuring it is well incorporated.
6
Increase heat to medium, bring the stew back to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any excess fat before serving.
7
Serve the stew hot over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed sweet potatoes, allowing the flavors to blend with the side of your choice.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
28.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
675mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West African Peanut Stew?
It is a hearty stew combining chicken and beef with a rich, creamy peanut butter flavor and a touch of heat from red pepper.
Why is this dish sometimes called Groundnut Stew?
Groundnut is the British colonial term for peanuts, which are a central ingredient in this dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary proteins in the stew?
The primary proteins are 3 pounds of broiler-fryer chicken and 1 pound of beef stew meat.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 438 calories.
How much peanut butter is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 cup of peanut butter.
How should the peanut butter be prepared before adding it to the stew?
It should be melted in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and creamy before being stirred into the stew.
What side dishes are recommended for serving?
It is recommended to serve the stew over fluffy rice or creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
How much fat is in one serving of the stew?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes two medium chopped onions and one medium chopped green pepper.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 18.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 28.75 grams of protein.
How long should the chicken be browned initially?
The chicken pieces should be browned for about 15 minutes.
What type of canned tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 28 ounces of canned tomatoes, cut up, including their juices.
How much ground red pepper should I add?
You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of ground red pepper, depending on your spice preference.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is 675mg per serving.
How long does the beef and onion mixture need to sauté?
Sauté the beef, onions, and green pepper for 7 to 10 minutes until the beef is browned.
What is the first simmering period for the tomato mixture?
The mixture should simmer covered for 30 minutes after adding the tomatoes and spices.
How long does the chicken simmer once returned to the pan?
The chicken should simmer for an additional 20 minutes until cooked through.
What is the final cooking step after adding the peanut butter?
After adding peanut butter, bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 20 more minutes.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 5 grams of sugar per serving.
What type of cookware is recommended?
A large saucepan or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How should the beef stew meat be prepared?
The beef stew meat should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Should I remove the chicken drippings after browning?
No, you should reserve the drippings in the pan to sauté the beef and vegetables.
What should I do if the stew has excess fat?
You should drain off excess fat after sautéing the beef and skim off any remaining fat before serving.
How much oil is used to brown the chicken?
Three tablespoons of cooking oil are used.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using broiler-fryer chickens cut into pieces.
How many ingredients are in the total count?
There are 10 ingredients listed in the recipe.