West African Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Greens Stew
A hearty one-pot stew that combines tender sweet potatoes with nutritious collard greens in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce infused with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. This comforting West African-inspired dish delivers deep, earthy flavors with a satisfying protein boost from natural peanut butter, making it perfect for cold evenings or when you need a nourishing meal that feeds a crowd. The combination of sweet and savory elements creates a well-balanced dish that works as both a main course and a hearty side.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bunch collard greens, choppedkale1:1vegetarianvegan
similar texture
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14 oz
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup peanut butter, natural, unsweetened
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- oil(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat large pot over medium heat with oil, add onion and cook until softened
- 2
Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant
- 3
Stir in cumin, coriander, and turmeric, cook until fragrant
- 4
Add sweet potatoes, collard greens, tomatoes, and broth, bring to boil then simmer until sweet potatoes are tender
- 5
Stir in peanut butter until well combined, season with salt and pepper, cook briefly
- 6
Serve hot with fresh herbs if desired
Tips
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for the most authentic flavor and better consistency in the stew.
Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and don't turn mushy.
Remove thick stems from collard greens before chopping to ensure tender texture throughout.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in airtight container. Stew may thicken when cold.
Can be made 1-2 days ahead. Reheat gently and add broth if needed to thin.
Serve over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread. Garnish with chopped peanuts or cilantro.
Common Mistakes
Don't add peanut butter too early to avoid separation and grittiness.
Don't overcook sweet potatoes to avoid mushy texture.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce cooking time since frozen greens are already partially cooked. Add them in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
What if my stew is too thick?
Add more vegetable broth or water gradually until you reach desired consistency. The peanut butter will thicken the stew naturally.
How long does this stew keep in the freezer?
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently, adding liquid if needed to restore consistency.