African Spinach & Peanut Butter Stew
Fresh spinach wilts into a savory peanut butter sauce with sautéed onions and tomatoes in this quick 15-minute West African side dish.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
10 minREADY
15 minThis spinach and peanut butter stew brings together ingredients you might not expect, creating a creamy, nutty side that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Onions soften in hot oil, tomatoes break down into the base, then heaps of fresh spinach wilt right into the pan.
Natural peanut butter (unsweetened) gets thinned with hot water and stirred through, coating every leaf with rich, earthy flavor.
The whole thing cooks in about 15 minutes, making it an easy companion to grilled chicken, rice, or roasted fish.
Pro Tips
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for authentic savory flavor
- Thin peanut butter with hot water before adding to prevent clumping
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking, adding splashes of water as needed
- Fresh spinach wilts dramatically; 2 pounds looks like a mountain but cooks down considerably
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less water to the peanut butter paste
Variations
- Stir in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper for heat
- Add diced bell peppers with the tomatoes for extra color
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard (increase cooking time by 5 minutes)
Ingredients
Directions
Slice the onions and fry in oil until soft. Peel the tomatoes in boiling water (or use tinned tomatoes). Slice and add to the onions.
Wash, trim and chop the spinach coarsely. Add to the stew and cook, covered, over a medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
Thin the peanut butter with hot water to make a smooth paste. Add to the stew. Season with salt and pepper and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring and adding water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Comments
