Peanut Stew Recipe

When we think of peanuts, we think Virginia, ballgames and a top hat-wearing, cane-holding, monocled mascot. However, peanuts are also a staple in West African cooking and used prominently in many dishes. One such typical meal is a hearty stew made with tomatoes, sweet potatoes and peanuts.

This vegetarian version of the soup relies on the saltiness and creaminess of peanut butter -- the pantry staple and venerated American spread that is an often unsung hero in meals that don't include jelly or two slices of bread.


Presenting a new (and more acceptable) way to eat peanut butter by the spoonful.

Peanut Stew Recipe

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 serrano pepper, sliced (omit or substitute cayenne if heat-sensitive)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and thickly julienned
• 2-3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

Roughly crush or chop the peanuts.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add onion and garlic and cook until onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Add crushed peanuts and season with salt and pepper.

Add the stock and the sweet potatoes and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, turn the heat down to medium and stir in the tomatoes.

Stir in peanut butter until combined. Serve garnished with remaining peanuts, slices of serrano pepper and a piece of flat bread.

What are your favorite uses for peanut butter? Let us know in the comments!