Tilapia with Groundnut Stew
A rich and savory stew made with groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, and spices, often served with pan-fried tilapia. This dish is a comforting and flavorful staple in Ghanaian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Tilapia fillets(about 6 oz each)
- 1.5 cups Unsalted roasted peanuts(unsalted, roasted)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed tomatoes or fresh)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(seeded and minced (optional, for heat))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon or lime juice(for fish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon/lime juice. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Allow fish to marinate for at least 10 minutes. - 2
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peanuts with 1 cup of the broth. Blend until smooth, adding more broth if needed to achieve a creamy paste consistency.
💡 Tip: A high-powered blender works best for a smooth peanut paste. - 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
⏱️ 1-2 minutes - 5
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add the blended peanut paste to the pot. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut paste is fully incorporated before adding more liquid. - 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes💡 Tip: The stew should be thick but pourable. Add a little more broth or water if it becomes too thick. - 8
While the stew simmers, pan-fry the seasoned tilapia fillets in a separate skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and flaky.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes per side - 9
Taste the groundnut stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the stew into serving bowls and top with a fried tilapia fillet.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality roasted peanuts for the best flavor.
- ✓The scotch bonnet pepper can be omitted or adjusted for heat.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time; the flavors deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with rice, fufu, or banku.
- Add chunks of cooked chicken or beef to the stew.
- Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or okra into the stew.