Ivoirian Groundnut Stew

Ivoirian Groundnut Stew Recipe - Authentic Ivory Coast Dish

Region / culture: Ivory Coast | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ivoirian Groundnut Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that originates from Côte d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, in West Africa. This stew is made with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce that is combined with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Groundnut stew has been a staple dish in West African cuisine for centuries. Peanuts, also known as groundnuts, are a common ingredient in many African dishes and are often used to create thick and creamy sauces. The combination of peanuts with vegetables and spices in a stew is a popular way to enjoy this versatile ingredient.

Ingredients

2 sweet potatoes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp grated ginger
2 tbsp coriander
0.5 tsp cayenne
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4 cups eggplant
0.5 cup stock
1 cup zucchini
2 green peppers, chopped
2 cups tomato juice
0.5 cup peanut butter

How to prepare

Boil the potatoes until they are just tender. Sauté the garlic and ginger with the spices for 1 minute, then add the onion. Sauté for a few minutes longer. Add tomatoes, eggplant, and a splash of water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the zucchini and peppers and simmer for 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes, mash roughly, and add to the stew. Add the juice and peanut butter. Stir well. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serve on rice or millet and garnish with pineapple or banana slices.

Variations

Add chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different vegetables such as okra, spinach, or cabbage.
Spice it up with extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are just tender to ensure they are not too mushy in the stew.

- Sautéing the garlic, ginger, and spices before adding the other ingredients helps to enhance their flavors.

- Simmering the stew for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more delicious final dish.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is traditionally served over rice or millet, but it can also be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread. Garnish with pineapple or banana slices for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the sweet potatoes until tender.

- Sauté the garlic, ginger, and spices before adding the other ingredients.

- Simmer the stew for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

- Substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes.

- Use vegetable broth instead of stock.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stew in a large bowl with a scoop of rice in the center. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ivoirian Groundnut Stew with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed greens for a well-rounded meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a fruity beer complements the flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ivoirian Groundnut Stew contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The sweet potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers in this stew provide a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Fats

The peanut butter in this stew adds a healthy dose of fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are important for heart health and overall well-being.

Proteins

Peanut butter is also a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The vegetables in this stew also provide some protein to help meet your daily needs.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the peppers and tomatoes, vitamin A from the sweet potatoes, and potassium from the zucchini. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision, and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to others.

Summary

Overall, Ivoirian Groundnut Stew is a nutritious and delicious meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support a healthy diet.

Summary

Ivoirian Groundnut Stew is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of peanuts with a variety of vegetables and spices. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ivoirian Groundnut Stew. It was many years ago, during my travels through West Africa. I had always been drawn to the vibrant flavors and unique ingredients of African cuisine, and I was eager to learn as much as I could during my time there.

One day, while exploring the bustling markets of Abidjan, I came across a small stall where an elderly woman was cooking up a fragrant and delicious looking stew. Intrigued, I approached her and asked her what she was making. She smiled warmly and told me that she was preparing Ivoirian Groundnut Stew, a traditional dish from the Ivory Coast that was beloved by her family for generations.

I watched as she expertly chopped vegetables, pounded peanuts into a smooth paste, and simmered everything together in a rich and aromatic broth. The smell alone was enough to make my mouth water, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

I spent the next few hours by her side, carefully taking notes and asking questions as she walked me through the steps of making the stew. She explained that the key to a good Ivoirian Groundnut Stew was in the combination of ingredients – the sweetness of the peanuts, the heat of the spices, and the freshness of the vegetables all coming together to create a harmonious and comforting dish.

After I had mastered the recipe to her satisfaction, she handed me a handwritten copy on a scrap of paper and wished me luck in my culinary adventures. I thanked her profusely and promised that I would make the stew for my family back home.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I wasted no time in recreating the Ivoirian Groundnut Stew. As the familiar smells of peanuts and spices filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the wonderful experiences and people I had met during my travels.

Over the years, I have made the Ivoirian Groundnut Stew countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. Each time I prepare it, I am transported back to that bustling market in Abidjan, to the warmth and generosity of the woman who shared her knowledge with me.

My family has come to love the stew just as much as I do, and it has become a cherished part of our meal rotation. I love the way the rich and creamy peanut sauce coats the tender pieces of chicken and vegetables, creating a dish that is both hearty and comforting.

I often think about that day in the market, and the unexpected gift of the Ivoirian Groundnut Stew recipe that was bestowed upon me. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to bridge cultures and create connections that transcend language and borders.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of stew with my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me as a cook and as a person. And I know that I will continue to share this recipe with others, passing on the tradition and the story behind it for generations to come.