African Peanut Stew

There’s something magical about the warmth of a pot of African Peanut Stew simmering on a cold winter evening. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy family gathering, where the air was filled with laughter and the aroma of spices dancing through the kitchen. As we gathered around the table, the rich colors of the stew captivated my attention. The combination of creamy peanut butter, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables felt like a warm hug in a bowl. Since then, it has become a staple in my home, especially on chilly nights when comfort food is a must. This stew not only nourishes the body but also brings people together – a perfect dish for sharing stories and making memories. Each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of flavors that transports me to a place of warmth and joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for African Peanut Stew

The ingredients in African Peanut Stew come together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish. Each element plays a vital role in building the rich and comforting flavor profile that makes this stew so beloved. From the creamy peanut butter that adds depth to the fresh vegetables that bring brightness and freshness, this dish is an explosion of taste and texture.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them the perfect choice for stews.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds richness to the dish.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the stew with aromatic depth.
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Adds warmth and a slight spicy note.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Contributes an earthy, warm flavor.
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness that enhances the stew.
• ½ teaspoon each ground turmeric and ground coriander: Provides warmth and earthiness.
• ¼ teaspoon each cinnamon and ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and complexity.
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Sweetness and texture, balancing the flavors.
• 14 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a rich flavor.
• 7 cups low sodium chicken broth: The base for the stew, providing moisture and depth.
• 1 teaspoon granulated chicken bouillon: Adds concentrated chicken flavor.
• 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Provides protein and heartiness.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor as it simmers.
• ½-1 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter: The star ingredient, adding creaminess and flavor.
• 2 cups cauliflower, chopped into bite-size pieces: Adds a nice crunch and additional nutrition.
• 1 bunch collard greens, stem removed and cut into ½-inch strips: Offers vibrant color and a hearty texture.
• 2-4 teaspoons harissa: A spicy chili paste that adds a kick.
• Cooked rice: Serves as a base to complement the stew.
• Cilantro: For garnish, adding freshness.
• Chopped peanuts: Adds crunch and flavor.
• Fresh lime: A squeeze for brightness and acidity.

How to Assemble African Peanut Stew

Making African Peanut Stew is truly a delightful experience. The process is straightforward and allows the flavors to develop beautifully as they mingle in the pot. Follow these steps for a deliciously satisfying meal.

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Lightly drizzle the chicken thighs with some olive oil, then season them generously with salt and pepper. This will ensure that your chicken is flavorful.

2. Next, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. This step creates a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor.

3. After the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate, leaving the drippings behind. These drippings will serve as a flavor base for the stew.

4. In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the drippings. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing them until the onions are softened, which should take about 8 minutes. This mixture will create a flavorful base.

5. Once the onions and peppers are ready, add in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and all the spices: cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, stirring to ensure everything is evenly coated.

6. Add the seared chicken back into the pot, along with the cubed sweet potatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, low sodium chicken broth, chicken bouillon, and kidney beans. Toss in the bay leaf and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

7. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Displace the lid so it’s partially covering the pot, allowing steam to escape, and simmer the stew for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred. The sweet potatoes should be barely tender at this point.

8. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. Meanwhile, if the sweet potatoes aren’t tender yet, allow the stew to simmer a bit longer.

9. When the sweet potatoes are just tender, stir in the peanut butter (adjusting the amount to your desired thickness) and the harissa or cayenne pepper to taste. Mix well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated.

10. Finally, add the shredded chicken, along with the chopped collard greens and cauliflower. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Season the stew to taste with more salt, pepper, and additional harissa if desired.

11. Serve the African Peanut Stew in bowls over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of brightness. Enjoy!

Ways to Customize

There are so many ways to personalize your African Peanut Stew! Here are some tips to make it your own:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies, like zucchini, carrots, or butternut squash, to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
• Protein Options: For a different protein twist, consider swapping the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of harissa or adding fresh chilies according to your preference.
• Herb Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or parsley instead of cilantro to change the flavor profile.
• Texture Play: If you like crunch, consider topping your stew with crispy fried onions or additional chopped nuts for an exciting texture contrast.
• Freezing for Later: This stew freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal in the future.

Accompaniments for African Peanut Stew

To make the most of your African Peanut Stew, consider these delicious accompaniments:

• Cooked Rice: Serve the stew over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
• Warm Bread: Crusty bread or naan is perfect for dipping into the stew, soaking up the rich sauce.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with citrus dressing complements the heartiness of the stew.
• Occasional Gatherings: This stew is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, where sharing food brings everyone closer.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish is great for winter gatherings, providing warmth and comfort during the colder months.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Conclusion

This African Peanut Stew is a beautiful blend of spices and textures, creating a dish that is both comforting and nourishing. I hope you give it a try and find the same joy in it that I do. Whether you’re cozying up at home or sharing it with friends, it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and flavor to your table.

African Peanut Stew

The ultimate comfort food, African Peanut Stew is creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavors. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and creamy peanut butter to create a dish that warms the soul. It's perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 7 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: African

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds Chicken thighs
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 2.5 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 Onion diced
• 1 Red bell pepper chopped
• 6 Garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon Cumin ground
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric ground
• 0.5 teaspoon Coriander ground
• 0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon ground
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg ground
• 2 Sweet potatoes medium, peeled and cubed
• 14 oz. Fire roasted diced tomatoes canned
• 7 cups Low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Chicken bouillon granulated or 1 cube, crushed
• 15 oz. Kidney beans canned, rinsed and drained
• 1 Bay leaf
• 0.5-1 cup Peanut butter smooth or crunchy
• 2 cups Cauliflower chopped into bite size pieces
• 1 Collard greens bunch, stem removed and cut into ½-inch strips
• 2-4 teaspoons Harissa
• to serve Cooked rice
• to serve Cilantro
• to serve Chopped peanuts
• to serve Fresh lime

Equipment

• Grater
• Saucepan
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Lightly drizzle the chicken thighs with some olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Sear the chicken until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate but leave the drippings; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the drippings over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell pepper and sauté until the onions are softened, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and all seasonings (cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon) and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken back to the pot along with the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broth, bouillon, and beans. Add the bay leaf.
5. Cover the soup to bring to a simmer, then displace the lid so it’s partially covering the pot, with about a one-inch opening. Simmer the soup for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is tender enough to shred.
6. Once the chicken is tender, remove it to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Meanwhile, continue to simmer the soup if the potatoes aren’t tender yet.
7. Once the potatoes are just tender, stir in the peanut butter (more or less depending on how thick you want it) and harissa or cayenne pepper to taste.
8. Add the shredded chicken, collard greens, and cauliflower and cook another 3-5 minutes, until the leaves are tender.
9. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and harissa. Add additional broth if you’d like a less chunky stew.
10. Serve bowls of stew with cooked rice, cilantro, chopped peanuts, and fresh lime.

Notes

• Prep ahead: Consider prep ahead tips in the post for more efficiency.
• Chicken breasts: You can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy. Bone-in is preferred.
• Rotisserie chicken: Swap with 3 ½ cups shredded rotisserie chicken added when it's time to put the shredded chicken back in.
• Fire roasted tomatoes: They add smokiness; ensure no added seasonings if using plain diced tomatoes instead.
• Collard greens: To prep, cut alongside the stem, then stack and slice into strips. You can substitute other hearty greens.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.