Spicy West African Peanut Stew With Chicken And Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Hearty West African peanut stew combines rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected depth.

Fragrant spices mingle alongside tender chicken and creamy sweet potatoes in this soul-warming dish.

Culinary traditions from ghana inspire this robust meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutty undertones from ground peanuts create a velvety sauce that coats each ingredient with remarkable complexity.

Robust ingredients tell a story of cultural connection and agricultural abundance.

Smooth textures and bold seasonings promise a memorable dining experience that transports you across continents.

Each spoonful invites you to savor a recipe that celebrates global culinary heritage.

Pairing Suggestions for West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust, spicy red like Zinfandel to complement the rich, nutty flavors of the peanut stew and match its hearty chicken base.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Create a creamy, slightly sweet side dish that balances the stew's spicy and savory notes, providing a smooth textural contrast.
• Add Fresh Mango Salsa: Craft a bright, tangy topping with diced mango, red onion, and cilantro to cut through the stew's richness and provide a zesty, tropical accent.
• Blend with Ginger Lemonade: Mix fresh lemon juice, ginger, and a touch of honey to create a refreshing drink that enhances the stew's warm spices and cleanses the palate.

Storage Advice for West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Transfer cooled stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour stew into a pot, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Is this dish spicy?

The stew has a mild heat from cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. You can reduce or increase the amount of cayenne to make it milder or hotter.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, beef, or lamb. Each protein will bring a unique flavor to the West African-inspired stew.

• What kind of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal. Avoid highly processed or sweetened varieties as they can alter the authentic taste of the stew.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and peanut butter are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What Makes West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes So Special

• Savor Global Comfort: Dive into a hearty West African stew that blends rich, warming flavors from different culinary traditions, making every spoonful an exciting global adventure.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, sweet potatoes' vitamins, kale's minerals, and peanut butter's healthy fats, this dish delivers a complete nutritional punch in one pot.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Created as a one-pot wonder, this recipe minimizes kitchen cleanup and allows home cooks to enjoy a complex, restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or multiple dishes.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, the recipe easily scales up or down and welcomes creative substitutions like tofu or different vegetables to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients for West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the main protein for the hearty stew.

• Sweet Potatoes: Soft, nutritious root vegetable that adds sweetness and thickness to the stew.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic base that creates a deep, flavorful foundation.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture to the stew.
• Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy green that brings color and additional nutrition.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredient that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the stew.
• Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Spices that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional depth of flavor.

• Cilantro, Roasted Peanuts: Fresh herbs and crunchy nuts that add texture and freshness.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial browning of chicken and sautéing vegetables.

How to Prepare West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Brown chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until golden and crispy. Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the same pot. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Sweet potatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until sweet potatoes become tender and soft, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Peanut Goodness

• Peanut butter
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Allow the stew to simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Introduce chopped kale into the stew and cook until it wilts and becomes tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Roasted peanuts

Enjoy this hearty, comforting West African-inspired dish that will warm your soul.

Pro Tips for West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Swap Protein Wisely: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the stew's rich, hearty flavor.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper amount to suit your heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing for a personalized kick.
• Boost Nutrition Smartly: Add extra kale or spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more nutrient-dense meal.
• Perfect Peanut Consistency: Stir peanut butter thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture throughout the stew.
• Storage Strategy: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, as the flavors will develop and become even more delicious over time.

Flavorful Variations for West African Peanut Stew with Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein-packed alternative.
• Spicy African Fusion: Increase cayenne pepper and add harissa paste for an extra fiery kick, complementing the rich peanut base.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and peanut butter labels for safe consumption.
• Lean Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with lean turkey or white fish for a lighter protein option while maintaining the stew's traditional West African flavor profile.

West African Peanut Stew With Chicken And Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory West African Peanut Stew brings hearty comfort with tender chicken and sweet potatoes dancing in a rich, spiced peanut sauce. Warm spices and creamy textures invite you to explore West African culinary traditions in one satisfying bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish

Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 grams) natural peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Roasted peanuts for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and caramelized, creating a rich flavor base. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, sauté aromatic combination of onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
3. Add cubed sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and allow ingredients to simmer for approximately 15 minutes until sweet potatoes become fork-tender.
4. Reintroduce browned chicken to the simmering liquid, then incorporate creamy peanut butter, zesty cayenne pepper, and seasoning. Continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the meat.
5. Fold tender kale into the stew, allowing it to wilt and integrate with the rich, nutty sauce. Cook for roughly 5 minutes until greens are soft but retain a vibrant color.
6. Ladle the steaming stew into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and crunchy roasted peanuts for textural contrast and enhanced flavor profile.
7. The complete dish requires approximately 60 minutes from preparation to serving, yielding a hearty meal with approximately 450 calories per portion.

Notes

• Enhance flavor depth by toasting whole spices like cumin or coriander before adding to the pot for a more complex, aromatic base.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the stew.
• Reduce cayenne pepper quantity for a milder version or add more for extra heat, tailoring the spiciness to personal preference.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, as the flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: West African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 531 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg