Peanut butter, a cherished staple in my pantry (and likely in yours too), holds the power to enhance both savory and sweet dishes effortlessly, infusing them with a delightful richness and subtle sweetness. Whether you have a preference for crunchy or smooth, fear not, as both varieties are interchangeable in today’s recipes. Brace yourself for a tantalizing journey with peanut butter taking center stage in a scrumptious West African-inspired peanut stew and a heavenly treat of peanut butter cups.
The West African-inspired peanut stew boasts a delightful blend of earthy and sweet flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your tastes and needs, allowing you to make use of leftover vegetables or protein, even from a Sunday roast, to prevent any waste. Should you desire a soup-like consistency, simply adjust the amount of stock and skip the rice.
Preparation for the stew is a breeze, taking only 15 minutes, while the cooking process unfolds in 40 minutes, resulting in a delectable serving for four lucky individuals.
West African-Inspired Peanut Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 pepper (red, orange or yellow), stalk, pith, and seeds removed, flesh roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- ½ thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- 60g peanut butter
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained
- 1 small handful of spinach leaves
- Boiled rice, to serve
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and pepper, stirring regularly, until softened, approximately five minutes.
- Stir in the crushed garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, and ground cumin, allowing the delightful aromas to envelop your senses.
- Incorporate the peanut butter and vegetable stock into the mixture, then add the chopped sweet potatoes and drained chickpeas. Cover the saucepan and cook for approximately 25 minutes, ensuring the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, add the spinach to the stew, allowing it to wilt down gently.
- Season the stew to your taste, and serve it alongside a portion of boiled rice, creating a delightful and satisfying meal.
In addition to the stew, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the luscious delight of homemade peanut butter cups. Crafted with love and care, these treats can be prepared in batches and conveniently frozen for future indulgence. The stew, when frozen and reheated, takes on a more “lived-in” and robust flavor, making it an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals.
Let the enchantment of peanut butter infuse your culinary adventures as you embark on a journey of savory and sweet delights. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the West African-inspired peanut stew and savor the blissful moments with each delectable peanut butter cup you relish!
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