Spicy Peanut Stew

Spicy West African Peanut Stew (Serves 6 to 8 people)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 1/2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced

• 1 1/2 cups okra, sliced

• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup kale, chopped

• 1 cup collard greens, chopped

• 1 cup unsalted peanut butter

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice for serving

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

• Roasted peanuts, crushed, for garnish

• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

• Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground turmeric. Stir well to coat the onions with the spices, and let them toast for 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavors.

• Add the sweet potatoes, carrots, okra, red bell pepper, green beans, cherry tomatoes, kale, and collard greens to the pot. Stir to combine the vegetables with the aromatic spices.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and a cup of vegetable broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot, along with the remaining vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices.

• Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

• Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper if desired.

• Serve the spicy West African Peanut Stew over cooked quinoa or rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, crushed roasted peanuts, and lime wedges on the side.