Botswana Millet and Peanut Stew
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew featuring millet and a creamy peanut butter base, enriched with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and warming spices. This dish is a comforting and flavorful representation of Botswana's staple grains and the use of groundnuts.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Millet(rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 1 large Sweet potato(peeled and diced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Natural-style peanut butter
- to taste Salt
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the millet thoroughly under cold water.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes any dust or debris and helps prevent clumping. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add the diced sweet potato, undrained diced tomatoes, and rinsed millet to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined. - 5
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the millet and sweet potato are tender, stirring occasionally.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the stew and stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: This step ensures the peanut butter is fully incorporated without lumps. - 7
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This stew is delicious on its own or served with pap.
💡 Tip: Pap, a maize meal porridge, is a traditional accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water.
- ✓Adjust the chili flakes for your preferred level of heat.
- ✓For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before adding the peanut butter mixture.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Incorporate a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black-eyed peas for extra protein.
- A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.