Name: West African Vegan 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), diced*; 2 – 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1 can (15 oz.) 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); Grain of choice (rice, quinoa, or couscous)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with warmth, bold flavors, and a velvety creamy texture, you are going to fall in love with this West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of sweet potatoes, the comforting earthiness of peanut butter, and a gentle kick of spice, all simmered to perfection in one pot. Ready in just about 30 minutes, this stew brings a beautiful balance of hearty and healthy with every spoonful, making it an irresistible weeknight meal or a cozy dinner that you can rely on anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with thick orange soup that has bits of vegetables or beans visible in it. On top of the soup, fresh bright green spinach leaves are being added with a wooden spoon. Two lemon halves are placed on the white marbled surface near the pot. In the bottom left corner, a plastic container with fresh spinach leaves is partly visible. The scene shows a mix of creamy soup and fresh spinach in a clean kitchen setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create magic. Each component is essential – from the luscious peanut butter adding creaminess and depth, to the sweet potatoes bringing natural sweetness and a lovely texture, to the fresh spinach that brightens the dish with color and nutrients. Together, they form a stew that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Olive oil or water for sautéing: Choose olive oil for richness or water for a lighter, oil-free option when softening your aromatics.
1 large onion, diced: Provides a savory base flavor that gently sweetens as it cooks.
5 – 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch that enhances the overall stew.
2 – 3 tablespoons grated ginger: A fresh zing that lifts the stew and adds depth.
1 tablespoon ground coriander: Brings a subtle citrusy and nutty undertone, perfect for this stew.
2 – 3 chili peppers (jalapeno, serrano, scotch bonnet, or habanero), diced: Choose your heat level carefully; they infuse the dish with an inviting spicy kick.
2 – 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star ingredient adds natural sweetness and hearty texture.
1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes with juices: Gives brightness and a slight tang to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water: This liquid base builds the stew’s luscious consistency without overpowering the flavors.
3/4 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or smooth): Imparts the stew’s signature creaminess and authentic taste.
5 oz. fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy contrast to the bold flavors.
Juice of 2 small lemons: A final splash of acidity to brighten and balance the richness.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
Optional garnishes – fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and hot sauce: These add layers of texture and flavor in the final presentation.
Optional grain of choice (rice, quinoa, or couscous): To serve alongside, soaking up all the delicious stew goodness.

How to Make West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil or water in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chili peppers. Sauté this fragrant mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring often until everything softens and the spices start to bloom. This step builds a deep flavor foundation for the stew, giving it complexity from the very beginning.

Step 2: Add the Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes

Next, toss in those hearty, cubed sweet potatoes along with the diced tomatoes and their juices. Follow up by sprinkling the ground coriander and pouring in your vegetable broth or water. Give everything a good stir and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. This process lets the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the potatoes reach that perfect creamy softness.

Step 3: Stir in the Peanut Butter and Greens

With the heat now off, swirl in the natural peanut butter until it’s fully incorporated, transforming the stew into a luxuriously creamy bowl of comfort. Then add the fresh spinach, stirring just until it wilts into the stew. Finish by brightening the flavors with the juice of two small lemons and seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember, the stew thickens as it cools, so this step guarantees that smooth, satisfying texture we love.

How to Serve West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe

A white pot filled with creamy orange soup shows thick chunks of orange vegetables and pieces of green leafy herbs mixed throughout. A wooden spoon lifts some soup, displaying the smooth texture with visible bits of vegetables and herbs. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a bowl of white rice, small white bowl with beige nuts, lemon wedges, and green herbs scattered around in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Presentation can elevate the joy of eating this stew! Fresh cilantro adds a pop of herbaceous brightness, crushed or whole peanuts bring delightful crunch, and a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes enhances the spice level even further. These finishing touches make each bowl feel special and bursting with vibrant contrasts in flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This peanut stew is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with grains like fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or couscous to soak up every luscious drop. For a more indulgent experience, try serving it with naan bread or your favorite warm flatbread, perfect for dipping and mopping up the stew’s creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or want to impress your friends, serve the West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe in individual rustic bowls, topped artistically with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and sprigs of cilantro. Adding a lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add extra brightness to their liking. Alternatively, drizzle a little coconut yogurt or a swirl of vegan cream on top for an added touch of creaminess and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This stew keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in a tightly sealed container. The flavors will even deepen, making each reheated serving just as delightful as the first. It’s a reliable dish to prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save this tasty stew for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or sturdy baggies, making sure to leave some room for expansion. When thawed, it retains its rich, comforting texture and taste without compromise.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture. If it feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling vigorously to preserve the delicate peanut flavor and smooth consistency.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! The recipe suggests peppers ranging from jalapeno to habanero. Feel free to adjust the amount and type of chilies according to your heat preference. For a milder version, omit the peppers entirely or use just a small pinch of cayenne powder.

Is peanut butter the only nut butter that works in this stew?

Not at all! While peanut butter provides the classic flavor, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunbutter if you have a peanut allergy. Mixing tahini with these alternatives can create delicious variations with similar creaminess and depth.

Can I use other greens besides spinach?

Definitely. Kale or collard greens make excellent substitutes. Just be sure to remove tough stems and chop the leaves finely to ensure they cook quickly and blend well with the other ingredients.

What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?

Regular potatoes, parsnips, or a combination are great alternatives. Leaving the skins on provides extra fiber and texture, just remember to wash them thoroughly before chopping.

Is this stew suitable for meal prepping and freezing?

Yes! This West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and freezes nicely, so you can enjoy hearty, homemade meals even on your busiest days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something rich, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this West African Vegan Peanut Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its one-pot simplicity, bold flavors, and satisfying textures make it a true stand-out in vegan cooking. I can’t recommend it enough—grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of this heartwarming stew. Trust me, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to recipes before you know it!