Makhlu aux Légumes
Makhlu aux Légumes is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew from Senegal, featuring a rich peanut-based sauce simmered with a variety of seasonal vegetables. It's a comforting and nutritious dish, often served with rice or couscous.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 large Tomatoes(chopped or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 head Cabbage(chopped)
- 1 medium Zucchini(chopped)
- 1 green Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 small Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, curry powder, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce.
- 4
Add the cubed sweet potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Using vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor than water. - 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of warm water or broth until smooth. This will prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the peanut butter is smooth before adding it to the stew is key. - 6
Add the smooth peanut butter mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the stew back to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom. - 7
Add the chopped cabbage, zucchini, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Stir to incorporate.
- 8
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. The stew should be rich, creamy, and flavorful.
💡 Tip: The natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the peanut butter should be balanced. - 10
Serve hot, typically with rice, couscous, or fonio.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the heat level.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like pumpkin, okra, or green beans.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add chunks of chicken, beef, or lamb along with the onions in step 1.