Name: African Sweet Potato & Peanut Stew
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or veg oil); 1 large onion, diced; 1 head garlic, chopped (1/4 cup); 3 " ginger, chopped (6 tbsp); 2 tbsp whole cumin seed; 2 tbsp whole coriander seed; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 2 L veg stock (8 cups); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp sambal oelek (or to taste & if you prefer a different type of chili for adding heat, go ahead and use it); 1 28 fl oz can whole tomatoes; 1 x 19 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; juice 2 x limes (1/4 cup bottled lime); 2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite sized cubes.; 3/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter. (I only ever use natural peanut butter with no added salt or sugar. ); Baby spinach, rice, cilantro & chopped peanuts for serving.

African Peanut Stew

4/20/2021

4 Comments

Recipe Difficulty: Easy

What is African Peanut Stew?
I'm far from knowledgeable about African cuisine, but this stew is something that came on my radar a couple of decades ago. I can't speak to authenticity of my recipe, but if not authentic, it's at least inspired by something similar. I looked online for more information about this dish. If you want authentic African recipes, this is not the place to find it. I'm simply exploring to the best of my ability, and trying to share healthy flavourful meals that anyone can make. With all that said here is what I found:

African peanut stew, also known as maafe or maffé, is a West African dish that is popular in many countries in the region, including Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. It is made with a base of peanut butter or ground peanuts, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. The stew is often made with meat, such as chicken or lamb, and vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes. It is seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and paprika, and is typically served over rice or with a side of bread.
The origins of African peanut stew are not well documented, but it is believed to have been influenced by a variety of cultural and culinary traditions. Peanut butter and peanuts have been grown and consumed in Africa for centuries, and the use of peanuts in savory dishes is common in many West African cuisines. The stew is also influenced by the culinary traditions of the many different cultures that have interacted with West Africa over the centuries, including Arabic, European, and American cultures.

My African Peanut Stew Recipe Notes
This delicious stew is aromatic, bright & slightly spicy. Sweet potatoes, chickpeas and tomatoes make up the bulk of the stew which is then flavoured with natural peanut butter, lime juice, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and chili (sambal oelek, a chili paste). I like to garnish my African Peanut Stew with cilantro & chopped toasted peanuts. On the side, rice and or flatbread. Have wedges of fresh lime and more sambal on the side for those who want added brightness and heat.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

A note on Peanut Butter!

I really do like Kraft Peanut Butter. I only ever buy natural with no salt or sugar added. I will buy other brands if I can find a better price, but always natural no salt no sugar! Natural Peanut Butter does separate, but for me that isn't a downside. You just have to give it a good stir before using it. A good tip is to store it upside down, which helps keep it better mixed together.