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

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

5.2 from 30 reviews

A hearty and flavorful African Peanut Stew that can be prepared using a stove top, crock pot, or Instant Pot. This comforting stew combines creamy peanut butter with sweet potatoes, spinach, and spices for a rich, satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup tomato sauce or plain diced canned tomatoes
  • ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter (no stir works best)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (adjust as needed)
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Stew Ingredients

  • ½ to 1 Tablespoon cooking oil as needed (use 1 Tablespoon if not browning meat)
  • 1 lb diced stew meat (chicken, beef, or pork) (optional)
  • 2 cups broth (2 ½ cups if adding meat)
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (3 small cloves)
  • 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 10 ounces (2 small) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
  • ⅔ cup peeled and sliced carrot (optional)
  • 2 cups spinach leaves or 3 cups baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Make the Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth, or whisk thoroughly in a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. Stove Top Method: If using meat, brown it in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, turning once. Remove meat once almost cooked. In the same pot, add ½ to 1 tablespoon oil and sauté onions for 3-4 minutes, scraping browned bits. Add ginger and garlic, sauté 1-2 more minutes. Stir in sweet potatoes. Add sauce, spinach, and broth, stirring well. Simmer covered for 1 hour until sweet potatoes are tender and meat cooked through.
  3. Instant Pot Method: Set Instant Pot to sauté, heat oil, sauté onions and garlic until onions brown (about 2 minutes). If adding meat, brown meat first, then sauté onion and garlic. Add remaining ingredients and sauce. Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, then natural pressure release. Remove lid and serve.
  4. Crock Pot Method: Place sweet potatoes, carrots, and broth in crock pot; set to low. If using meat, brown meat in oil for 5 minutes, add onions and garlic and sauté until browned, then transfer to crock pot. Add sauce and spinach, stir to combine. Cook on low for 4½ to 5 hours or high for 3 hours (check after 2 hours on high). Serve ladled over hot rice with optional garnishes.
  5. Serving Suggestions: Serve the stew over hot rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, roasted peanuts, and spicy peppers if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantities to taste for spiciness.
  • Use natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar or salt for best flavor balance.
  • Brown meat before simmering to enhance depth of flavor.
  • The stew can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.
  • Cook times may vary slightly based on equipment and ingredient sizes.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: African Peanut Stew, Peanut Butter Stew, Sweet Potato Stew, Vegetarian Stew, Crock Pot Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/african-peanut-stew-stove-crock-pot-or-instant-pot-recipe/