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Hearty Peanut and Sweet Potato Stew (Maafe)

Description 

A rich and flavorful West African-inspired stew featuring tender sweet potatoes, hearty vegetables, and a creamy peanut-based broth infused with warm spices and a touch of heat.

Cuisine: West African
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion (150 g), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (14-ounce/400 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (600 g), peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup (125 g) chopped carrots
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped green beans
  • 1 cup (65 g) chopped kale or spinach
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped peanuts, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Cooked brown rice or quinoa, for serving (1 cup/200g cooked)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
  4. Stir in kale or spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot over brown rice or quinoa. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Suggested Drinks

Ginger Beer: The spiciness of ginger beer complements the warmth of the stew, while its effervescence cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.

South African Chenin Blanc: This crisp and fruity white wine offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew, with its tropical fruit and citrus notes balancing the richness of the peanut sauce.

Non-Alcoholic Option

Hibiscus Tea (Bissap): The tartness of hibiscus tea helps to cleanse the palate between bites, while its fruity notes complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.