Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew (Peanut Stew)
A rich and savory stew made with groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, vegetables, and often meat or fish, showcasing a beloved flavor profile in Sierra Leone.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy, unsweetened)
- 500 g Beef or chicken(cut into chunks (optional))
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Okra(chopped (optional))
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using meat, season it with salt and pepper. Heat the palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, curry powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of the vegetable broth or water until smooth. This helps prevent lumps.
- 6
Add the smooth peanut butter mixture to the pot, along with the remaining broth or water. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Return the browned meat (if using) to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer.
- 8
Add the cubed sweet potato and chopped bell pepper. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 9
If using okra, add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The stew should be thick and rich.
- 11
Serve hot, typically with rice, fufu, or other starches.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using unsweetened peanut butter is crucial for the best flavor balance.
- ✓Stirring the stew frequently, especially as it thickens, prevents the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or pumpkin.
- Use fish (like smoked fish) or a combination of meats.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based protein.