African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot) Recipe

If you are looking for a soul-warming, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal, you have to try this African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot). This dish brilliantly combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes and the vibrant, fresh green spinach to create a stew that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. The best part is its versatility—you can easily make it on the stove, in a crock pot, or using an Instant Pot, making it a perfect recipe for any schedule or craving. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes guaranteed to have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot) lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from creating complex layers of flavor to contributing textures and bright colors that make the dish so inviting and satisfying.

• 1 cup tomato sauce or plain diced canned tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
• ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter (no stir works best): Provides the luscious creamy base and signature nutty flavor.
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky depth that complements the peanuts perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander: Introduces a hint of floral earthiness to elevate the stew.
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat to awaken the palate.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and warmth.
• ½ to 1 Tablespoon cooking oil: Necessary for sautéing and browning the meat, plus helping flavor development (use 1 Tablespoon if no meat).
• 1 lb diced stew meat (chicken, beef, or pork), optional: Adds protein and meatiness if desired.
• 2 cups broth (2 ½ cups if adding meat): Creates the savory liquid base and melds all flavors.
• 1 cup chopped onion: Builds a sweet and savory flavor foundation.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 3 small cloves): Brings aromatic pungency and depth.
• 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a bright, zesty punch.
• 10 ounces sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes: Offers natural sweetness and hearty texture.
• ⅔ cup peeled and sliced carrot (optional): Brings subtle sweetness and additional color.
• 2 cups spinach leaves or 3 cups baby spinach: Provides fresh, verdant notes and vitamin-rich greens to balance the dish.

How to Make African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot)

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by combining all the sauce ingredients—tomato sauce, peanut butter, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything in a blender or food processor until smooth, or whisk vigorously in a bowl if you prefer. This sauce is the heart and soul of your stew, delivering the creamy, nutty, and smoky layers that make this dish so unforgettable. Set the sauce aside while preparing the other elements.

Step 2: Prepare the Base and Meat (Optional)

If you decide to include meat, heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add your chosen cooking oil. Brown the diced stew meat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally to develop a beautiful crust and lock in juices. Remove the meat once browned and set it aside. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions until translucent and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sauce

Now, stir in the sweet potatoes and carrots (if using), coating them well with the fragrant onion, ginger, and garlic mixture. Pour in the blended peanut sauce and add the broth—use a bit more if you’ve included meat to keep it flavorful and juicy. Return the browned meat to the pot if using. Stir everything together until well combined, bringing the stew to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about an hour. This slow cooking time allows the sweet potatoes to soften perfectly while the meat becomes tender and the flavors deeply meld. About 10 minutes before serving, add the fresh spinach leaves, stirring them into the stew until wilted and vibrant. This adds brightness and a fresh contrast to the stew’s rich nuttiness.

Step 5: Alternative Cooking Methods

For the Instant Pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and optionally the meat, then add all remaining ingredients and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes before allowing natural pressure release. For the crock pot, layer the sweet potatoes, carrots, broth, and browned meat with onions and garlic, add the blended sauce and spinach, then cook on low for 4 ½ to 5 hours or high for 3 hours, checking doneness along the way. These methods free up your time while delivering equally tasty results.

How to Serve African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot)

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can add your personal touch and turn this stew into a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds. Fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top adds a burst of herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the creamy peanut flavor. Chopped roasted peanuts add crunch and extra nuttiness, enhancing the textural experience. For those who love a little heat, toss on some finely sliced spicy peppers to lift the stew’s warm, smoky notes even higher.

Side Dishes

African Peanut Stew is naturally rich and hearty, so pairing it with simple, complementary sides works beautifully. Serve it over fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up the luscious sauce, offering a satisfying and balanced meal. If you want to add more veggies, a side of lightly steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts brightens the plate while keeping things wholesome and textured.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this stew with warm, fresh flatbreads or naan alongside, letting guests scoop up the stew instead of using a spoon. You might also consider ladling the stew over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower or polenta for a comforting variation. If entertaining, spoon the stew into mini bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls for a unique presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot) keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Transfer the stew to an airtight container to preserve freshness and keep the flavors vibrant. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal when you want nourishing comfort ready to enjoy on busy days or for easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze this stew in individual portions or family-sized containers. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its delicious quality. Be sure to label your containers so you can grab your peanut stew anytime a craving strikes.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first or use the defrost function on your microwave before heating. The flavors will taste just as vibrant as when freshly made, and the creamy texture will stay perfectly luscious.

FAQs

Can I make this African Peanut Stew without meat?

Absolutely! The dish is naturally delicious and hearty even without meat, thanks to the creamy peanut butter and sweet potatoes. You can enjoy it as a satisfying vegetarian or vegan meal by simply omitting meat and using vegetable broth.

What peanut butter works best for this stew?

Natural creamy peanut butter that requires no stirring is ideal because it blends smoothly without clumps, creating the perfect silky consistency. Avoid chunky or overly oily types to keep the texture creamy and uniform.

Can I adjust the spice level in this stew?

Yes! The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient to give it a bit of heat. Feel free to add more or less to tailor the stew to your personal spice preference. You can also add spicy peppers as garnishes for extra kick.

Is smoked paprika essential for the stew?

While smoked paprika really enhances the smoky warmth that complements the peanut butter, you can substitute regular paprika if needed. The stew will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?

Definitely. The African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot) scales beautifully, making it perfect for batch cooking or feeding a crowd. Just adjust the cooking times slightly, especially if using a crock pot, to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this African Peanut Stew (Stove, Crock Pot or Instant Pot) enough for anyone craving a warm, satisfying dish that is both hearty and vibrant with flavor. Whether you’re a busy cook needing flexible methods or someone who loves rich and savory comfort food, this stew will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Grab those simple ingredients, savor the wonderful aromas as it simmers, and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like a delicious, nourishing celebration in every spoonful!

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