Tilapia in Groundnut Stew
A rich and savory stew made with ground peanuts, tomatoes, and spices, often served with pan-fried tilapia. This is a variation on the popular groundnut soup.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Tilapia fillets(about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup Natural peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or fresh ripe)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste, finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Curry powder
- 1/2 tsp Thyme(dried)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season tilapia fillets with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Marinating the fish briefly helps to tenderize it. - 2
In a bowl, whisk the peanut butter with 1 cup of the broth until smooth. Set aside.
- 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Add the crushed tomatoes, curry powder, and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- 7
Pour in the remaining 3 cups of broth and the peanut butter mixture. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is fully incorporated to avoid lumps. - 8
Gently place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart. - 9
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables before adding the peanut butter.
- ✓If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Serve with rice, fufu, or boiled yams.
🔄 Variations
- Add chunks of cooked chicken or beef to the stew.
- Incorporate spinach or other leafy greens in the last few minutes of cooking.