West African–inspired One-Pot

African Peanut Stew – A Hug in a Bowl

Name: African Peanut Stew – A Hug in a Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4-6
Cuisine: West African–inspired
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp fresh ginger (sub ½ tsp ground ginger); 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, orange or yellow); 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 medium carrot, sliced; 1½ tsp chilli powder; ¼ tsp cayenne (optional, I use ½ tsp, but start with ¼ if you aren't sure); 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth); 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; A handful of fresh spinach or kale (loosely chopped); Salt & pepper (to taste); Fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts (Optional for serving)

This creamy African Peanut Stew is pure comfort in a bowl — a vegan twist on the beloved West African groundnut stew. Peanut butter blends with tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and warm spices to create a rich, savoury broth, with chickpeas adding satisfying plant-based protein. Perfect served over rice or with warm bread, this stew is the kind of meal that’s even better the next day!

Vegan

Vegetarian

Gluten-Free

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The first time I came across an African peanut stew, I was totally confused. Peanut butter in a savoury stew, um what? But the moment I tried it, everything made sense. The peanut butter melts into the broth, creating a creamy, comforting base that’s rich with flavour. Paired with protein-rich chickpeas, tender sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, it becomes the kind of meal that is both super nutritious and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s wholesome, hearty, and just a little bit magical — the perfect dish to make as soon as the weather cools and you start craving something cozy and satisfying. ✨ But my favourite thing about this stew is the way the peanut toppings and chickpeas meld together — every bite becomes a little surprise, and you never quite know whether you’ll get peanut, chickpea, or both! 🥜

There’s something magical about a stew that warms you from the inside out — rich with flavour and full of comfort that lingers long after the last bite.

What Is African Peanut Stew? (Maafé / Groundnut Stew)

African peanut stew is a hearty, traditional West African dish also called maafé or groundnut stew, depending on the region and language. Originating with the Mandinka and Bambara peoples of Mali, it’s built around a rich, creamy peanut (groundnut) sauce simmered with tomatoes, aromatics, vegetables and often meat or plant-based protein, then served with staples like rice or fufu (a starchy dough used to scoop up rich stews). While maafé and groundnut stew are often used interchangeably, they represent closely related dishes within a deeply rooted West African culinary tradition that has spread across Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria and beyond, with each culture adding its own delicious twist.

In more recent years, a vegan version made with chickpeas and topped with peanuts has quietly become a favourite in the plant-based world. It’s rich, so very flavourful, and surprisingly filling, thanks to the combination of legumes and peanuts that bring an excellent plant-based protein to the bowl.

Chickpeas, sweet potatoes, peanuts, carrot, bell pepper, peanut butter, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, spinach, lime, tomatoes and spices — Ingredients for making creamy African peanut stew

How to Make Vegan African Peanut Stew

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, everything comes together in one pot — super easy for a weeknight dinner. Like most stews, the magic is in the layering of flavours. Each step builds a little more depth, from the sautéed aromatics to the creamy peanut-tomato base that ties it all together.

1. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens and begins to turn golden, about 5–6 minutes — this forms the flavour foundation of the stew. Next, stir in the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, sweet potato, and carrot, letting them cook for a few minutes until they start to release their aroma. Sprinkle in the chilli powder and cayenne (if using) and cook for just a minute to toast the spices — this quick step wakes them up and adds a lovely depth to the finished dish.

2. Build the Broth

Finally, pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let those vibrant flavours mingle as the vegetables begin to soften.

Onion, garlic, sweet potatoes and bell peppers cooking in a pot — Once onion is softened, cook vegetables for a few minutes with garlic and ginger

Hand adding chilli powder and cayenne to cooking vegetables — Add chilli powder and cayenne, cook until fragrant

3. Blend in the Peanut Butter

Scoop a ladleful of the hot broth into a small bowl and whisk it together with the peanut butter until smooth — this step helps it blend seamlessly into the stew without clumping. Pour the mixture back into the pot and stir well; you’ll see the broth instantly turn creamy and golden, with that signature silky texture.

Ladle of red tomato broth with peanut butter in bowl — Add a ladleful of warm tomato broth to bowl containing peanut butter

Whisking peanut butter and broth together with gold fork — Whisk broth and peanut butter together until smooth

4. Simmer and Serve

Cover and let everything simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavours have melded together. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, add the chickpeas and stir in a few handfuls of spinach or kale, let them wilt in the heat of the stew. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then ladle the stew into bowls while it’s still piping hot.

Chopped spinach and chickpeas added to red tomato broth — Add chopped greens with chickpeas, so vibrant, so yummy

Finish each serving with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and a few chopped cilantro leaves for brightness. The result is a hearty, fragrant stew that’s both deeply satisfying and full of nourishing ingredients — the kind of meal that makes me happy to be home.

Dark and moody image of bowl of African peanut stew topped with chickpeas, peanuts and herbs — Aromatic and comforting, this comforting vegan soup truly is a hug in a bowl

This stew has a firm spot in my dinner rotation, there’s something so grounding about it. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to appreciate how simple ingredients can create something rich and satisfying, not to mention unique. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, meal prep for the week, or to share with friends, it won't disappoint on the comfort front. Spiced, aromatic and uncomplicated — it's a reminder all you need to make a delicious meal is a little heart and a touch of peanut butter magic. ✨

Tips & FAQs for Vegan African Peanut Stew

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! Smooth peanut butter melts more seamlessly into the stew, but crunchy works too — it will just add a little extra texture. Make sure to whisk it with hot broth first so it fully blends in.

What should I serve African peanut stew with?

African peanut stew is traditionally served with rice, fufu, or other starchy sides that soak up the rich peanut sauce. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully, while mashed sweet potatoes offer a comforting, traditional-style pairing that complements the rich peanut sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with flatbread, couscous, or a simple green vegetable on the side.

Is this stew gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavours deepen. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I freeze leftover African peanut stew?

Yes, it freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth if needed.