Sauce Karanga (Vegan Congolese Peanut Stew)
A hearty and flavorful vegan stew from the Congo, featuring sweet potatoes and chickpeas simmered in a rich, spicy peanut sauce. This dish is a comforting and nutritious staple.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(peeled and finely diced)
- 2 small Chili peppers(or 1 scotch bonnet, or pinch chili flakes (optional))
- 1 tsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Garlic granules
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Ginger
- 0.25 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 300 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into bite-size cubes)
- 1 cube Vegetable bouillon cube
- 500 ml Boiling water
- 3 tbsp Peanut butter(smooth, sugar-free)
- 460 g Chickpeas(drained and washed (approx. 2x 230g cans))
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chili peppers (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add all the spices (tomato paste, curry powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic granules, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper) to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- 3
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them evenly with the spices and tomato paste. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Pour in the boiling water and add the vegetable bouillon cube and peanut butter. Stir vigorously until the peanut butter is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- 5
Add the drained and washed chickpeas to the pot. Stir everything together.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Check the consistency of the stew. If it's too watery, add a little more peanut butter. If it's too thick, add a splash of water. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- 8
Serve hot. Sauce Karanga is often enjoyed with fufu, rice, or fried plantains.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“For a spicier stew, use more chili peppers or a hotter variety.
- âś“Ensure the peanut butter is smooth and natural, without added sugars, for the best flavor.
- âś“This stew can be made ahead of time, as the flavors deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like kale, spinach, or bell peppers.
- For a non-vegan version, chicken or beef can be added and cooked in the stew.