Savor the rich flavors of Creamy West African Peanut Stew with this easy recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and vibrant greens, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. Discover how to make this creamy delight in just 50 minutes, and treat your taste buds to a wholesome experience. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal tonight!
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish
![To make West African Peanut Stew, you will need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each one adds its own special touch. Here’s what you need: - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice - 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy stew. The sweet potato gives it a nice texture, while the peanut butter adds depth. The spices bring warmth to every bite. Each ingredient plays an important role in this comforting dish. You can find the full recipe for preparation steps and cooking methods in the [Full Recipe]. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. In this first part, you’ll create a base full of flavor. Heating the olive oil helps release the rich, fragrant notes of the onion. Listen for that gentle sizzle; it means you're on the right track. After about five minutes, the onion should be soft and starting to turn golden. This step sets the stage for the rest of the dish. - Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. - Add the sweet potato and red bell pepper, stirring well to combine. - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, peanut butter, and vegetable broth. Now, it’s time to add even more flavor. The garlic and ginger will create a bold scent that fills your kitchen. After two minutes, toss in the sweet potato and red bell pepper. Stir them in well so they absorb all those lovely flavors. Finally, pour in the diced tomatoes, peanut butter, and vegetable broth. Stir until everything is mixed nicely. You want that creamy peanut butter to blend in well. - Season the stew and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. - Stir in the chickpeas and chopped greens, cooking until incorporated. Seasoning is key here. Add salt, pepper, and your spices to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat for a nice simmer. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. This is when the sweet potatoes become tender and the flavors meld. Once it's ready, stir in the chickpeas and chopped greens. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted. Now you have a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor! For the full recipe, check out the link provided. - Adjust flavors by using salt, pepper, and spices. Taste as you cook. - Fresh ingredients always give better taste. Use fresh vegetables whenever possible. - Serve the stew in deep bowls. This adds to the dish's comfort vibe. - Pair it with warm rice or flatbread. Both options soak up the rich sauce well. - Prepare ingredients in advance. Chop veggies the night before to save time. - Use pre-chopped vegetables if you're in a hurry. They cut down on prep time. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in your Maafe to suit your taste. Adding chicken or beef gives the stew a heartier feel. Simply cut the meat into small pieces and brown it before adding the vegetables. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Cube the tofu and sauté it until golden brown. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish. The beauty of Maafe is its flexibility with vegetables. You can use whatever is in season or what you have at home. Carrots, zucchini, or even eggplant work well. You can also swap in different greens. Swiss chard or collard greens add a unique flavor and color. Just make sure to chop them up before mixing them in. If you need to make the stew gluten-free, check your broth label. Most vegetable broths are gluten-free, but it’s good to double-check. For a vegan version, simply ensure that your peanut butter is free from animal products. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based dish. For the best flavor, try the Full Recipe! Enjoy all the ways to make this dish your own. To store leftovers of the West African Peanut Stew, let it cool first. Transfer the stew to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to enjoy it again. Freezing is a great option if you have extra stew. Pour the cooled stew into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can reheat the stew using a microwave or stove. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. This keeps the flavors and texture just right. Enjoy your meal! To make West African Peanut Stew, follow these steps: 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. 3. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 2 more minutes. 4. Add sweet potato and red bell pepper, stirring well to combine. 5. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, peanut butter, and vegetable broth. 6. Season with cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. 7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes. 8. Stir in chickpeas and chopped kale or spinach, cooking for 5-7 minutes. 9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This dish is creamy and rich, perfect for a cozy meal. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. If you have nut allergies or need a substitute, you can try these: - Sunflower seed butter: It has a similar texture and taste. - Soy nut butter: A good option for those avoiding nuts. - Tahini: This sesame seed paste gives a unique flavor. - Creamy coconut milk: It adds richness without nuts. Each option changes the flavor a bit, but they all work well in the stew. Yes, Maafe is great for meal prep! Here’s why: - Flavor improves over time: The taste deepens as it sits. - Easy to store: You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. - Freezes well: It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. It’s a tasty option for busy days! This blog post walked you through making a tasty West African Peanut Stew, or Maafe. We covered key ingredients and how to prepare them step-by-step. I shared tips for enhancing flavors and serving ideas to make your meal even better. You can customize the stew with different proteins and vegetables to fit your taste. Now, enjoy this hearty dish and feel good about sharing it with others. Your kitchen just got a lot more delicious!](https://pagosarecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fb6c408e-a4db-4d7c-8c6c-751317ec2ca1-250x250.webp)