Best African Ground Nut Stew Recipes

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AFRICAN GROUND NUT STEW



African Ground Nut Stew image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 onion, diced
2 to 3 pounds boneless chicken cut into chunks (I prefer thigh meat)
1/2 jar natural peanut butter (no sugar or stabilizers added)
1 can coconut milk (often in Asian grocery section)
2 quarts chicken stock, canned or homemade
1 large bunch collard or other greens, chopped fairly finely and after removing center ribs (frozen, drained greens can be used as a substitute)
Sambal oelek, to taste (hot chili paste from Asian grocery section)
Cooked rice, as an accompaniment

Steps:

  • Saute onions until translucent in a large saucepan. Add chicken pieces and saute until golden but not necessarily cooked through. Add coconut milk and stock and bring to a simmer. Once the liquid is simmering, add the peanut butter a spoonful at a time and keep stirring until it is well incorporated. The sauce should be fairly thick (stew like, not soup like), so you may need to add more peanut butter or loosen with water depending upon the ingredients you use. Add chopped collards/greens and cook until very wilted. Season, to taste, with chili paste/sambal oelek and salt.
  • Serve over rice or other starch.
  • Traditional African stiff porridge would be served on the side and used to dip into the sauce with one's hands. Pull off a piece the size of a meatball, use your thumb to make an impression in the porridge and use the divet to scoop up the stew and pop it into your mouth! Enjoy.

WEST AFRICAN GROUND NUT STEW



WEST AFRICAN GROUND NUT STEW image

Categories     Vegetable     Side     Sauté     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Fall     Healthy     Kosher

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

Garlic
Ginger
Onion
Cabbage
Sweet Potatoes
Cayenne
Tomatoes (Canned)
Fruit Juice
Peanutbutter
Salt/Pepper

Steps:

  • Brown Onions Add Garlic & Ginger & Salt Add Everything Else Except Peanutbutter Cook until done (10-15 min) Add Peanutbutter and additional water if necessary. Serve over Brown Rice.

African Groundnut Stew Recipes: A Cultural Delight

African cuisine is known for its use of bold and diverse flavors. While there are many popular dishes in African cuisine, one that stands out is the African groundnut stew. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with peanuts, vegetables, and spices, and is enjoyed in many countries across the continent.

The Origin of African Groundnut Stew

Groundnut stew has its roots in West Africa, where peanuts were first cultivated thousands of years ago. It is believed that the dish was created by the Wolof people of Senegal and Gambia. Groundnut stew was traditionally made with peanuts, yams, onions, and spices, and was often served with rice.

Over time, the recipe has evolved and has taken on many variations throughout Africa. Some versions of the stew include meat or fish, while others are completely vegetarian. Groundnut stew is now enjoyed in many African countries, including Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

The Ingredients of African Groundnut Stew

African groundnut stew is a versatile dish that can be made with different ingredients depending on the country or region. However, some of the main ingredients that are commonly used include:

  • Peanuts: This is the key ingredient that gives the stew its nutty and rich flavor. Ground or whole peanuts can be used.
  • Vegetables: Common vegetables used include sweet potatoes, yams, onions, tomatoes, and okra.
  • Spices: African groundnut stew is highly spiced and can include a variety of spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
  • Meat: Some variations of the stew include meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb. However, the stew can also be made vegetarian or vegan.
  • Liquid: A liquid such as water or broth is added to the stew to create a soup-like consistency. Some variations also include coconut milk or tomato paste.
The Preparation of African Groundnut Stew

Preparing African groundnut stew can take some time, but the end result is well worth it. The preparation method can vary depending on the recipe, but the basic steps are:

  1. Roast the peanuts: The peanuts are first roasted to bring out their flavor. This can be done in the oven or stovetop.
  2. Grind the peanuts: Once the peanuts are roasted and cooled, they are ground into a paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle. The peanut paste is set aside for later use.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: The vegetables are washed, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The onions and garlic are usually sautéed in oil until soft before adding the other vegetables.
  4. Add the spices: Spices such as ginger, coriander, and turmeric are added to the vegetable mixture and cooked for a few minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add the peanut paste: The ground peanut paste is then added to the pot and mixed with the vegetable and spice mixture. Water or broth is added to create a soup-like consistency.
  6. Cook over low heat: The stew is then cooked over low heat until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Meat, if not already cooked, is added at this stage and cooked until done.
  7. Adjust the seasoning: The stew is then tasted and additional seasoning such as salt and pepper are added if necessary.
  8. Serve hot: African groundnut stew is usually served hot with rice, couscous, or bread.
The Health Benefits of African Groundnut Stew

African groundnut stew is not only delicious, but it is also very nutritious. Peanuts are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

In addition, the vegetables used in the stew are also highly nutritious. Sweet potatoes and yams are a great source of carbohydrates and vitamins, while onions and garlic are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

The Cultural Significance of African Groundnut Stew

African groundnut stew has deep cultural roots and is often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. In many African countries, the dish is traditionally served at weddings, baptisms, and other special occasions.

Groundnut stew is also a dish that is shared and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It has become a staple in many households and is a testament to the rich and diverse culture of Africa.

Conclusion

African groundnut stew is a flavorful and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. While the recipe may have evolved over time, its cultural significance has remained unchanged. This hearty stew is a testament to the rich and diverse culture of Africa, and is a dish that can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

African groundnut stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular across many African countries. Made with groundnuts (peanuts), the stew has a rich and creamy texture, with a depth of flavor imparted by a variety of spices, meats, and vegetables. If you have never tried African groundnut stew before, you are missing out on one of the continent's most beloved and delicious dishes. In this article, we will share some valuable tips to help you make the perfect African groundnut stew at home. Tip #1: Use fresh ingredients The key to any great stew recipe is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. When it comes to African groundnut stew, this means sourcing fresh groundnuts, vegetables, and meats. Look for fresh, unroasted groundnuts, as roasted nuts can overpower the flavor of the stew. Choose fresh vegetables that are in season, such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Tip #2: Toast your groundnuts Toasting your groundnuts before adding them to the stew is a critical step in bringing out their nutty, roasted flavor. To toast your nuts, spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. You can also toast them on a stovetop in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they are toasted. Once they are toasted, let them cool before grinding them into a fine powder. Tip #3: Use a flavorful stock African groundnut stew is traditionally made with chicken stock, which adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can use vegetable stock instead. To make your stock more flavorful, you can add a variety of aromatics such as onions, garlic, ginger, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Tip #4: Choose the right meat While African groundnut stew can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, goat, or lamb, it is traditionally made with chicken. Chicken is a versatile meat that works well in a stew because it is tender and absorbs the flavors of the stew well. If you prefer, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, as they will add more depth of flavor to the stew. Alternatively, you can skip the meat altogether and make a vegetarian version of the stew. Tip #5: Focus on the spices Spices are an integral part of African cuisine, and they play a significant role in the flavor profile of African groundnut stew. Common spices used in the stew include ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, and cumin. It's important to use high-quality, fresh spices and toasting them before adding them to the stew can help intensify their flavor. Tip #6: Add a variety of vegetables Another important element of African groundnut stew is the addition of a variety of vegetables. Popular options include sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and okra. The vegetables not only add flavor and texture to the dish, but they also make it more nutritious and colorful. Tip #7: Don't forget the greens Adding greens such as kale, collard greens, or spinach to your African groundnut stew is an excellent way to make the dish more nutritious and vibrant. Greens are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they add a fresh, earthy flavor to the stew. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming overcooked. Conclusion African groundnut stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and valuable tips. Remember to source the freshest ingredients, toast your groundnuts, use a flavorful stock, choose the right meat, focus on the spices, add a variety of vegetables and don't forget about the greens. These tips will help ensure that your African groundnut stew is a success and will transport your taste buds to the heart of Africa.

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