African cooking is renown for robust flavors that come from a variety of aromatic spices, like Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cardamom. Spices like these have amazing health benefits such as reducing inflammation (Turmeric and Ginger) and lowering blood sugar (Cinnamon).
Regarding the Peanut Butter in this recipe, while most people would consider this ingredient a red light for a healthy diet, it is in fact a good source of protein and when processed without additional oils, like Palm oil, it is a healthy source of fat – which we all need. Go organic to make it an even better choice, as peanuts, cashews and pistachios are nuts that get the greatest amount of pesticide use.*
*But, good to know that peanuts (which are grown underground) do not absorb various chemicals readily.
And lastly, a quick note about spices. I’ve made this stew with a bit more turmeric and even added a tablespoon of Sri Lankan Curry powder, and/or a couple of diced small red chilis. In other words, this stew is great as is, but feel free to improvise!
Ingredients
Olive Oil – 2 Ts
Carrots – 1 cup chopped
Onion – 1 diced
Celery – 3 ribs chopped
Garlic – 6 cloves minced
Ginger – 1” pieces, peeled, minced
Edamame – 1 cup (shelled)
Red Bell Pepper – 1 cup chopped
Vegetable or Chicken Broth – 2 containers
Yam – 2 Small-med, peeled diced 1” squares
Chick Peas – 1 can
Diced Tomatoes - 1 14.5 oz can
Creamy Peanut Butter – 2/3 cup
Coconut Milk – 1 can
Turmeric – 2 tsps
Curry Powder – 2 tsps
Coriander – 1 tsp.
Spinach – 1 bag
Unsalted Peanuts – 1 cup
Cilantro – 1 bunch chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste – 1- 2 tsps.
Juice of 1/2 lime
Please buy organic whenever possible!
Preparation
Chop all of those awesome veggies first.
In a large stock pot, on medium heat, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and peppers until soft – add spices and a pinch of salt, sauté for two more minutes.
Add broth, yams, chickpeas, edamame, diced tomatoes, peanut butter, coconut milk and let simmer for 45 min. or until yams are just soft.
** add diced pre-grilled or shredded cooked chicken at this time if preferred.
Turn off and let stew (sit) for about one hour.
Before serving, re-heat and add one bag of fresh spinach and peanuts.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Squeeze lime into stew.
Serve with chopped cilantro and a few more peanuts as garnish.