African Stew

Prep: 30 min Cook: 75 min Cuisine: African

African Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, enriched with the nutty taste of peanut butter and a hint of spice. Perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, its bold flavors and comforting texture make it a favorite among those craving a savory, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. lean stewing beef
  • 6 medium onions quartered
  • 1 lb. carrots quartered
  • 3 large sweet potatoes cut in chunks
  • 2 (5 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
  • 1 c. crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 (12 oz.) can condensed low fat milk
  • 1 tsp. red pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef in a skillet then transfer it to a stew pot.
  2. Add the quartered onions, carrots, sweet potatoes, stewed tomatoes, red pepper, and minced garlic to the stew pot.
  3. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Warm the stew juice and mix it with the peanut butter until smooth.
  5. Add the peanut butter mixture to the stew pot and stir well.
  6. Before serving, stir in the condensed low-fat milk.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth, consider using a mix of beef cuts, such as chuck and brisket, to enhance the flavor. If you're looking for a healthier twist, substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. To balance the heat from the red pepper, a dash of brown sugar can be added. This stew pairs beautifully with Wild Rice Mix for a hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this African Stew over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread for a filling meal. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad or sautéed greens to balance the richness. For a comforting touch, consider serving with Fried Lumpia as an appetizer or side dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of African Stew contains roughly 1150 calories, with 24g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (321% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (252% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1417mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

1150 kcal 58% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.1g 48% DV
Total Fat 32.9g 42% DV
Carbs 197.7g 72% DV
Fiber 25.2g 90% DV
Sugar 129.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1416.8mg 62% DV
Potassium 3316.4mg 71% DV
Cholesterol 51mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2892.2mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 226.4mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 661.6mg 51% DV
Iron 5.7mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of beef in this stew?

Yes, you can substitute lean chicken thighs for the beef. Adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster. Brown the chicken pieces first, then follow the same steps as in the original recipe. The flavors will still meld beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of meat juices and adjust seasonings to taste for a delicious vegetarian option.

How spicy is this stew, and can I adjust the heat?

The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper used. If you're sensitive to spice, start with half a teaspoon and taste as you cook. Alternatively, you can add dairy like sour cream or yogurt when serving to mellow the heat.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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