Spicy Peanut and Vegetable Stew

Name: Spicy Peanut and Vegetable Stew
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter; 2 tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil; 1 medium yellow OR red onion, chopped; 3 medium garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks OR 1¼ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 medium turnip OR carrot, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes; 2 habanero chilies, each slit a couple times with a paring knife; 4 ounces okra, stemmed and thinly sliced (optional); 2 teaspoons lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve

By Courtney Hill

4 Servings

1 hour 20 minutes active

Maafe (also spelled mafe or mafé) is a spicy West African stew made rich with peanut butter. It typically contains meat, but we make a vegetarian version that’s hearty with sweet potatoes (or butternut squash) and turnip (or carrot). We like the color and tender-crisp texture that sliced okra adds to the dish, but it’s an optional ingredient. If you do add it, stir it into the stew with only about five minutes of simmering left so it doesn’t overcook. Serve with steamed rice for a satisfying meat-free meal.

4

Servings

Tip

Don’t be afraid of the habanero chilies. They’re whole but slit with a paring knife, so they add fruity flavor and just a little heat. For a really spicy stew, cut the chilies in half to expose the ribs where fiery capsaicin resides, but remember to remove and discard all the halves before serving.

1 hour

20 minutes active

Ingredients

⅓

cup smooth peanut butter
2

tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil

Directions

01

In a medium bowl, whisk the peanut butter and 2 cups water until no lumps remain; set aside. In a large pot over medium, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic and ¾ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until the paste begins to stick to the bottom of the pot, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes with juice, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.

JOIN MILK STREET DIGITAL & PRINT
12 WEEKS FOR JUST $1

and get access to all of our recipes and articles online, as well as in print.

GET DIGITAL & PRINT

Reviews

Keith G.

December 19, 2022

So delicious

This is such a hearty and flavorful dish. I started it in a large skillet and then moved the tomato and peanut butter base to a crock pot and added the carrots and sweet potatoes and let it cook all day. I added okra and kale the last 30 minutes or so and then mashed the habaneros within the stew since I like heat. Such an awesome vegetarian meal. I will be making it again.

Lou-Ann L.

This must be the easiest, most satisfying vegetarian recipe from milk street. I added minced ginger and ground cumin around the time I added the tomato paste. Instead of okra, I used Japanese eggplant and added more ginger and it turned out amazing. Will be making this recipe again and again

Jackie R.

I am glad I read this - I thought the addition of a little ginger and cumin sounded nice, and I added some garlic-chili sauce. Mine was also made with bell peppers, green beans, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes (based on what I had on hand, no turnips or okra), but everything else was as called for in the recipe, and I thought it turned very well.

Spicy Peanut and Vegetable Stew

4

1 hour

Ingredients

Directions

Pardon the interruption

JOIN MILK STREET DIGITAL & PRINT
12 WEEKS FOR JUST $1

Simple, Bold Recipes

Spicy Peanut and Vegetable Stew

4

1 hour

Ingredients

Directions

Pardon the interruption

JOIN MILK STREET DIGITAL & PRINT12 WEEKS FOR JUST $1

Log In

Or subscribe

Simple, Bold Recipes

Join our mailing list and get our editor's picks from Cookish!

What are you interested in?

Thanks, you’re in! You will receive a confirmation email that includes a link to download your digital copy of COOKish: Special Editor's Picks.

No thanks!

You have already joined our email list!

We're having trouble signing you up to our newsletter at the moment, enjoy this recipe on us!

To begin signing up, please enter your email.

Sign up to receive texts

Successfully signed up to receive texts!

We'll only send our very best offers - Like a $15 store credit to start.

JOIN MILK STREET DIGITAL & PRINT
12 WEEKS FOR JUST $1