Vegan African peanut stew is a rich and satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. This hearty stew features sweet potatoes, creamy peanut butter, warming spices, and often leafy greens for a complete and delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for plant-based recipes to add to your repertoire, this peanut stew is sure to become a new favorite.
What Makes This Vegan African Peanut Stew So Special?
This peanut stew is a symphony of textures and tastes. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes, the creaminess of the peanut butter, and the subtle heat from the spices all come together to create a truly unique and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nourishing and comforting meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Vegan African Peanut Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this flavorful vegan peanut stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
A colorful array of vegan African peanut stew ingredients.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Guide
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
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Spice It Up: Add the cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
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Build the Base: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
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Add the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the pot. Return the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
A pot of vegan African peanut stew simmering on a stovetop.
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Blend in the Peanut Butter: Stir the peanut butter into the stew until smooth and creamy.
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Adjust and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for the Best Vegan African Peanut Stew
- For a Thicker Stew: Simmer the stew uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash a few of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the stew.
- For a Spicier Stew: Add more cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped serrano pepper for extra heat.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stew, such as chopped kale, spinach, or green beans. Add them along with the sweet potatoes.
“This vegan African peanut stew is a wonderful example of how satisfying and flavorful plant-based cooking can be. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices and vegetables to create a version that you love.” – Chef Anya Sharma
A bowl of vegan African peanut stew served over rice with chopped cilantro.
FAQs About Vegan African Peanut Stew
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the substitute you use.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes, you can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other grains can I serve this stew with?
While rice and quinoa are classic pairings, you can also serve this stew with couscous, millet, or even crusty bread for dipping.
How can I add more protein to this stew?
This stew already has a good amount of plant-based protein from the chickpeas, but you can add more by stirring in a cup of cooked lentils or chopped tempeh along with the sweet potatoes.
This vegan African peanut stew is a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
