Malawian Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew
A hearty and comforting stew featuring the sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with the richness of peanut butter, often enhanced with tomatoes and greens. This dish is both nutritious and flavorful, reflecting common ingredients in Malawian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch knob Ginger(fresh, grated or minced)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups Spinach(fresh, packed)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the diced sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, undrained diced tomatoes, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the hot broth from the pot until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine.
- 6
Add the fresh spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- 7
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- 8
Serve hot, perhaps with a side of rice or nsima.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the spinach.
- ✓Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓If you don't have fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger can be used as a substitute.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the spinach for extra protein.
- Include other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or carrots with the onions.