Peanut Butter Stew
Peanut Butter Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, savory sausage, and a rich tomato-based sauce with okra and peppers. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a satisfying choice for those seeking a filling, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 onions, diced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- chili pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen sliced okra ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 lb. chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 1 lb. medium or hot sausage ⓘ
- 12 slices white bread, cut into quarters ⓘ
- 10 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 8 eggs ⓘ
- 4 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the sausage until browned; drain all drippings except 2 tablespoons.
- Saute the diced onions in the drippings until tender.
- In a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread, half of the sausage, half of the onions, and half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, sausage, onions, and cheese.
- Beat together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard, then pour over the layered ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least overnight before baking.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator 1 hour before baking to bring to room temperature.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute turkey sausage for the pork sausage. Additionally, using whole grain bread instead of white can add more fiber and nutrients to the dish. This recipe can be adjusted to include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Peanut Butter Stew with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken In A Blanket for a comforting dinner. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second intervals until hot. Freezing is an option as well; wrap portions tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Stew contains roughly 938 calories, with 28g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1674mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before. After assembling the layers, cover and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to bring it to room temperature for about an hour before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
If you're looking for a different protein, you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any substitution is cooked before layering, as the baking time may differ based on the ingredients used.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp Cheddar adds a nice flavor, you could use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack for added creaminess and a bit of heat. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the overall flavor profile.
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).