Peanut Stew with Squash, Chickpeas and Kale

Groundnut Stew or Peanut Stew is hearty, comforting, and perfect for fall or all year round! This vegan recipe is inspired by West African peanut stews, and adds butternut squash, chickpeas, and kale. Typically, peanut stew is made with freshly ground peanuts, but you can use natural creamy peanut butter as a shortcut. Make sure to use creamy peanut butter rather than chunky to ensure the stew is nice and smooth. Natural peanut butter (without any additives like oils) will give a more authentic flavor.

This recipe is so simple! The main ingredient is peanuts, but kale and butternut squash make this a delicious, hearty stew, along with vegetable broth, jalapenos, harissa paste, ginger, and some ground spices. Enjoy this stew over rice or naan!

This recipe comes to us from Dani Smith of Sweet and Sorrel, @sweetandsorrel.

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Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. neutral oil (e.g. canola)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeño, diced with seeds
• 2 inches fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. coriander
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 4-6 cups vegetable broth (more for thinner stew/soup)
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 small butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter
• 2 tsp harissa paste (optional)
• 1 bunch Tuscan kale, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crushed peanuts and cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, jalapeño, and ginger and cook for 3 minutes..
Add cumin, coriander, paprika, cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste, vegetable broth, chickpeas, butternut squash, and peanut butter until well combined. Increase heat to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until butternut squash is tender.

2. Add harissa paste (optional) and kale. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat. Taste stew and season with salt and pepper until seasonings reach your desired taste. If using salted peanut butter, you may not need any additional salt.

3. Garnish with chopped nuts and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!