Name: Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/3 cup water (for water sauté); 1 large onion, diced; 5 – 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 – 3 tablespoons ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 – 2 chili peppers (jalapeno, serrano, scotch bonnet or habanero peppers), diced*; 2 – 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1 can (15oz.) diced tomatoes, with juices; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water (or combo); 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or smooth); 5 oz. fresh spinach, chopped if not using baby spinach**; 2 small lemons, juice of; Mineral salt & pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Peanuts, crushed or whole; Dash of hot sauce (sriracha, Franks hot sauce or red pepper flakes), optional; Grain of choice (rice, quinoa or couscous), optional

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If you’ve been on the lookout for a bowl of comfort that’s bursting with flavor and super nourishing, then this Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Thick, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this stew delivers layers of sweetness from tender sweet potatoes, warmth from chilies and ginger, and a velvety richness thanks to creamy peanut butter. All made in one pot and ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll be one of those recipes you keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot sits on a stove with a white marbled surface underneath. Inside the pot, there are four main layers: at the bottom, finely chopped white onions mixed with small bits of green celery; next to that, a light brown spice powder spread in one section; above the onions and celery, bright orange chunks of sweet potatoes filling about half the pot; and beside the sweet potatoes, a small pile of vivid red diced tomatoes. A pale liquid is being poured from the upper left corner into the pot. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe is simple, honest, and plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the bright zing of fresh lemon juice, each element comes together beautifully without overwhelming the palate.

Olive oil or water for sautéing: Choose olive oil for richness or water as a lighter option when sautéing the aromatics.
Large onion, diced: Adds a sweet and savory foundation that softens and caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Garlic, minced: Imparts a deep, fragrant flavor that enhances every spoonful of the stew.
Fresh ginger, grated: Brings a zesty warmth that brightens and balances the stew’s richness.
Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy earthiness that layers nicely with the other spices.
Chili peppers, diced: Choose your heat level — from jalapeno to scotch bonnet — for just the right kick of spice.
Sweet potatoes, cubed: The star of the stew, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture once tender.
Can of diced tomatoes with juices: Lends vibrant acidity and depth to the base of the stew.
Low-sodium vegetable broth or water: Keeps the flavors bright and lets the other ingredients shine without excess saltiness.
Natural peanut butter (creamy/smooth): The rich, nutty heart of the stew that gives it that signature silky texture.
Fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a pop of fresh green and a light, leafy contrast to the hearty base.
Lemon juice: Gives a fresh, tangy lift that balances the richness of the peanut butter perfectly.
Salt and pepper: To season the stew just right and make every bite pop.
Fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts (optional garnishes): For an herbaceous brightness and crunchy texture to finish the dish.
Grain of choice – rice, quinoa, or couscous (optional): Serve alongside or beneath to soak up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil or water in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced chili peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is fragrant, softened, and mingling into a savory aroma that’ll have you excited for what’s next.

Step 2: Boil and Simmer the Base

Next, add the cubed sweet potatoes, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and ground coriander into the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring everything to a lively boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and the flavors have melded beautifully into a comforting broth.

Step 3: Add Peanut Butter, Spinach, and Lemon

Turn off the heat and stir in the creamy peanut butter until it melts into the stew, giving it a luscious thickness. Then fold in the chopped fresh spinach, letting the residual heat gently wilt the greens. Finally, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the entire dish, followed by seasoning with mineral salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the stew thickens as it cools, making it even more satisfying.

How to Serve Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe

A white pot filled with thick, creamy orange soup that has visible pieces of orange chunks and green leafy spinach mixed in. A wooden spoon is lifting some of the soup, showing the chunky texture and green leafy bits clearly against the smooth orange base. Surrounding the pot is a white marbled surface with a bowl of white rice, lemon wedges, and some green herbs placed near the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe to the next level, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts on top just before serving. The cilantro adds a fresh herbal brightness while the peanuts contribute delightful crunch and reinforce the peanut flavor without being overwhelming. For an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes is a fantastic addition.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs wonderfully with a fluffy grain like steamed rice, light quinoa, or even couscous. These sides soak up the rich peanut sauce and add satisfying bulk to your meal, making it even more filling and wholesome. For a lighter option, crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for sopping up every last drop of the thick stew.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving this stew in vibrant bowls topped with a swirl of coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream for some cooling contrast. You can also layer it as a hearty filling inside roasted acorn squash or halved bell peppers for a stunning presentation that’s as tasty as it looks. The versatility of this recipe lets you customize it to any occasion or craving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe keeps amazingly well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as the peanut butter might settle a bit.

Freezing

You can freeze this stew for up to 3 months without losing much of its flavor or texture. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the stew slowly over medium-low heat on the stove to ensure it warms evenly without scorching. Stir frequently, and if it seems too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the consistency. The spinach may darken a bit but will still taste fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! You control the heat mainly through the type and amount of chili peppers you use. For milder stew, omit the peppers or use just a small amount of jalapeno. For more spice, try serrano or habanero peppers, or add a pinch of cayenne powder. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side to let everyone adjust the heat to their preference.

Is peanut butter the only nut butter I can use?

While peanut butter is traditional and gives the stew its classic flavor and creamy texture, you can experiment with almond butter or cashew butter if you have allergies or preferences. Just keep in mind these alternatives will slightly change the flavor profile but can work beautifully.

Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with another vegetable?

Sweet potatoes add both sweetness and a smooth texture indispensable to the stew. However, you can try using butternut squash or pumpkin as alternatives. They provide a similar sweetness and body but may require some adjustment in cooking time to reach that perfect tenderness.

How can I make this stew gluten-free?

The Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be mindful of the grains you serve alongside it. Opt for gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, or gluten-free couscous to keep your meal safe and enjoyable.

Does this stew taste better the next day?

Absolutely! Like many stews and soups, the flavors in this Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe deepen and meld overnight, often tasting even richer and more complex the next day. It’s a great recipe to prepare in advance if you’re looking for easy, delicious meals on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan West African Peanut Stew Recipe is truly one of those irresistible dishes that comforts the soul and excites the taste buds all at once. Whether you’re new to West African-inspired cuisine or a seasoned lover, this stew is easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing. Give it a try—you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

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