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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In the same pot, sauté aromatic combination of onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger until onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ladle the steaming stew into serving bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and crunchy roasted peanuts for textural contrast and enhanced flavor profile.
- 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