15 May 2025
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion
1 stalk celery
1 carrot
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp curry powder
4 sweet potatos
1 lb tomatoes
1 cup water
1 cup coconut milk
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup peanuts
3 cups spinach
African vegetable stew with sweet potato and peanuts is a wholesome and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of Africa. With its combination of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peanuts, this stew offers a wonderful balance of sweetness, creaminess, and savory goodness. It’s a perfect dish for those looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s also vegetarian-friendly.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Chop the tomatoes if using fresh.
- Roughly chop the peanuts if they are whole.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Curry Powder:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of curry powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to fully incorporate the spices and release their aroma.
4. Add Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes:
- Add the chopped sweet potatoes and tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices.
5. Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in 1 cup of water and 1 cup of coconut milk. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
6. Simmer the Stew:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add Peanuts and Spinach:
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the roughly chopped peanuts.
- Add the spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Season and Serve:
- Taste the stew and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve the African vegetable stew hot, garnished with additional peanuts if desired.
Tips:
- For an added layer of flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes before adding them to the stew.
- If you prefer a spicier stew, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili.
- Using fresh tomatoes will give the stew a bright and fresh flavor, but canned tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to customize the stew to your liking.
- Garnish with additional peanuts or fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of extra flavor and texture just before serving.
This African vegetable stew with sweet potato and peanuts is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, flavorful spices, and creamy coconut milk, complemented by the crunch of peanuts and the freshness of spinach, creates a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Serve it as a standalone dish or with rice or bread to soak up the rich and flavorful broth.