African Peanut Stew-Creamy ,Quick and easy groundnut Stew.
In the West, Groundnuts are almost invariably eaten as snack, mixed into salads, or transformed into peanut butter paste. However, in Africa, this nut has been an important source of food for centuries –and it is used in a number of different ways-throughout the continent depending on the region-a little goes a long way. The most common use is to flavor sauces, soups or add thickness any meal.
In West Africa, It is used to make this hearty stew – a rich stew with a tempting combination of flavors – garlic, ginger, herbs and of course a little bit of spice. The good thing about this recipe is that it is open to so many variations based on your preferences, availability of ingredients and time. You can never go wrong with this soup.
Here, I used Peanut butter paste. You can use any variety depending on what you have on hand- go for 100% Peanut butter for an intensified peanut flavor without the added sugar. It does make a difference.
Don’t sweat it though, I must admit that I sometimes use whatever brand I have on hand.
If you have time just make your own peanut butter by grinding roasted peanuts in a food processor or coffee grinder. That’s how this stew is made in Africa
Traditionally ground soup or stew is made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions with or without protein depending ones preference. You may use less oil or omit completely for a healthier stew – just omit the tomato sauce.
Serve with any starchy side rice, plantains, potatoes and or vegetables
Enjoy it!
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup oil
- 2- 3 pounds chicken legs or thighs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon ginger chopped
- 3 tablespoons parsley
- ½ cup Peanut butter or peanut paste
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon optional
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with your favorite seasoning – I used creole or just use, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Blend tomatoes, ½ of the onions, garlic, parsley, and ginger. Set aside
- In a large pot or saucepan heat oil over medium heat, then add the chicken and brown on both sides about 5-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. You may skip this step and proceed with the next.
- Add remaining onions, if desired , to the saucepan, stir for about 2 minutes then add tomato sauce(mixture of blend tomatoes and spices) and paprika
- Pour the tomato mixture into the saucepan -bring to a boil and let it simmer stirring frequently to prevent any burns- about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the peanut butter, chicken and 2 cups of water or chicken stock, season with, chicken bouillon, salt and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes or more
- Adjust the soup thickness with water/chicken stock if necessary and let simmer to desired thickness
- Drip a little soup from your stirring spoon. If you are satisfied with the thickness of your soup, serve it with rice.
Nutrition Information:
nadiya says
Hi there,
I was just wondering if I could use fish with this – and if so which do you recommend??
Thank you xxx
ImmaculateBites says
Go with Tilapia, red snapper, or any firm white fish. My mom u makes this with fish whole fish or sometimes she cuts in to 2 or 3 pieces. Do let me know how it works for you. Thanks
aby says
thanks for the recipes. i have always wanted to try shrimp any suggestions as to where i can buy them
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Aby. They are usually available in most super markets, depending on your location.
Erica says
I just realized that in your step by step instructions you state to put tomato sauce. but your ingredients list doesn’t state that ingredient it only says 2 tomatoes. Just wanted to let you know! So nobody messes up like I did. Hoping it still comes out ok! Thanks!!
Semoben says
Thank you so much for posting this! Can you post another peanut stew but with grinding the peanuts from scratch like it’s done at home?
ImmaculateBites says
Semoben, roast groundnuts, the blend in a coffee grinder or food processor and replace with the peanut butter.
Annika says
Just perfect! It is also amazing with less peanut butter (in case someone wants to have it a bit less fatty or rich).
ImmaculateBites says
Annika thanks for the constructive feedback. It is always welcome!
Meeka says
Hi, I tried the pan seared salmon, and it out so delicious. I am making this soup tonight for my family. I noticed that the recipe calls for tomato sauce, but you didn’t list tomato sauce (or how much) in the list of ingredients. How much should we use? Thanks so much for all your yummy recipes.
ImmaculateBites says
Meeka, so glad to hear you are liking my recipes. The tomato sauce is the tomato blend(tomatoes, onions..). No extra tomato sauce is needed. Let me know how this works for you. Thanks
Tanya says
I’m african and just a point of correction, it’s peanut soup and not stew ( not to be rude but just want to clarify it) and we eat with rice, fufu or anything you wish. Blessings…!!
ijphronesis says
she is very correct this is peanut stew, the recipe for peanut soup is slightly differrent
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This stew looks SO delicious and packed full of flavour. Definitely a recipe I can see myself making.. it is perfect for this weather right now!
LAK says
I can’t wait to try this today!!
LAK says
I did make the stew and it was PERFECT!!! Thank you ImmaculateBites!!!!
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for the feedback!!!
Sara says
My favorite African stew- this one going on top of my list.
ImmaculateBites says
Sara,Let me know how this works for you!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
This looks delicious! Love stews, always so comforting and delicious!
ImmaculateBites says
Jess, I second that!
ImmaculateBites says
Charlene, let me know how you like this one.
Charlene @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
I’m a big fan of peanut soup, I will try your version this coming Friday…cannot wait.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Wow! Immaculate, my mouth is watering. How comforting and flavorful this chicken stew is. It reminds me of several Bahian stews from Brazil. Both have African origins, this is why they are similar in many ways.
ImmaculateBites says
Dennis, I totally second this.
Philo says
Hi Immaculate. I want do try this recipe but it says peanut butter paste…can I use regular peanut butter? What do recommend?
ImmaculateBites says
Philo, yes you can. Any peanut butter would work.