Hearty West African-Inspired Peanut Stew Recipe

Comforting and Hearty African-Inspired Peanut Stew

Peanut stew, often known as Maafe, is a soul-warming dish with deep roots in West and Central African cuisines. In countries like Ghana, this savory, nutty stew is traditionally served with fufu—a starchy, dumpling-like side made from yams and other starchy vegetables. This simplified version uses sweet potatoes to provide that signature heartiness in a single pot, making it an ideal meal for students or busy home cooks looking for a nutrient-dense, plant-based dinner.

This recipe is a masterclass in balancing complex flavors. The creaminess of the peanut butter melds perfectly with the acidity of tomato paste and the subtle heat of ginger and cayenne. It is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you energized. If you are looking for more plant-based inspiration to fuel your day, you might also enjoy a Tropical Chia Pudding Parfait for breakfast or a light Tomato-Basil Orecchiette for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped (about 1¼ cups)
• 1 (1-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ⅓ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale

Instructions

1. Heat the grapeseed oil in a 12-quart stockpot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, chopped sweet potato, grated ginger, garlic, and cayenne (if using). Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the aromatics are fragrant.
3. Stir in the vegetable broth, tomato paste, and peanut butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking or stirring until the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the broth.
4. Add the chopped collard greens or kale. Continue to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato chunks are fork-tender and the greens have wilted.
5. Serve hot, ideally garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts over a bed of cooked brown rice.

After enjoying such a rich and savory meal, a refreshing dessert like Strawberry-Banana Ice Cream is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things plant-based.