South Sudan Peanut and Spinach Stew (Combo)
Combo is a hearty and flavorful South Sudanese stew that highlights the rich taste of peanut butter combined with fresh spinach and tomatoes. Often made with beef or goat, it can also be prepared as a vegetarian dish. This stew is a comforting and nutritious meal, often considered a taste of home for South Sudanese people living abroad. It's typically served with a flatbread like Kisra or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Beef or Goat(cubed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 750 ml Beef Stock(low sodium)
- 3 bunches Spinach(rinsed, dried, and shredded)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Peanut Butter(smooth or crunchy)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef or goat and brown on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure the meat is browned well for better flavor. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook, stirring, for about 3-5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Pour in the beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then return the browned meat to the pot. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is almost tender.
💡 Tip: If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more stock or water. - 4
Stir in the peanut butter until well incorporated. The mixture will become thick. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is fully dissolved into the sauce. - 5
Add the shredded spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts and the peanut butter begins to release its oils, making the dish shiny. This should only take a few minutes.
💡 Tip: Fresh spinach wilts quickly; frozen spinach can also be used. - 6
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a final 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7
Serve hot, traditionally with Kisra (South Sudanese flatbread) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock. You can add sweet potatoes or other root vegetables.
- ✓Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add cubed sweet potatoes along with the tomatoes for a heartier stew.
- A pinch of chili powder can be added for a touch of heat.