Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew Recipe - Authentic West African Cuisine

Region / culture: Sierra Leone | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in West Africa. This stew is made with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce that is simmered with tender stewing meat, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Groundnut stew is a traditional dish in Sierra Leone and other West African countries. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in West African cuisine, and this stew showcases the rich and nutty flavor of peanuts. The stewing meat adds a hearty and savory element to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) stewing meat
2 large tomatoes, diced
0.5 cup oil
0.25 cup groundnut paste (peanut butter)
0.5 tsp "Mrs. Dash" seasoning
1 large onion, chopped or sliced
1 large pepper, finely chopped
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
salt to taste

How to prepare

Season the meat and let it absorb the seasoning for three hours.
Brown the meat in oil.
Add some water and simmer until the meat is tender.
Remove the meat and set it aside.
In the same oil, sauté the pepper and onions.
Add tomatoes and stir briskly.
Mix groundnut paste with 0.5 cup of water to form a thin paste and add it to the stew.
Stir in the meat, add salt to taste, and let it simmer for 15 minutes over low heat.
Serve with rice, boiled yam, cassava, and green vegetables.

Variations

Add diced sweet potatoes or carrots for added sweetness and texture.
Use chicken or fish instead of stewing meat for a lighter version of the stew.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or peanuts for added flavor and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the meat well and let it marinate for at least three hours to allow the flavors to develop.

- Browning the meat before simmering it in the stew will add depth and richness to the dish.

- Stir the groundnut paste well to ensure it is smooth and free of lumps before adding it to the stew.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Serve the stew with rice, boiled yam, cassava, or green vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Groundnut Stew with rice, boiled yam, cassava, or green vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat before simmering it in the stew will add depth and richness to the dish.

- Stir the groundnut paste well to ensure it is smooth and free of lumps before adding it to the stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute tofu or chickpeas for the stewing meat for a vegetarian version of the stew.

Make Ahead Tips

The stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Groundnut Stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Groundnut Stew with a crisp and refreshing salad or a side of steamed greens for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Vitamin C: 20% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and iron. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a comforting dinner.

Summary

Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This rich and flavorful stew is high in protein and iron, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Serve it with rice, boiled yam, cassava, or green vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Enjoy the flavors of West Africa with this traditional and hearty stew.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just finished browsing through a collection of African recipes that a friend had lent me. As soon as I read the ingredients and instructions for this particular dish, I knew I had to try it.

I had always been fascinated by the flavors and spices of African cuisine, and this recipe seemed to capture the essence of traditional West African cooking. Groundnuts, or peanuts as we commonly call them, were the star ingredient of this stew. The idea of pairing them with rich, savory spices and tender chunks of meat sounded absolutely irresistible.

I decided to make the stew for my family that evening, eager to see their reaction to this new and exotic dish. As I gathered all the ingredients and started cooking, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes and cooking techniques I had learned over the years.

My love for cooking had started at a young age, watching my own grandmother work her magic in the kitchen. She had a knack for creating delicious meals out of seemingly simple ingredients, and she always made cooking look so effortless and enjoyable. I had spent countless hours by her side, soaking up all her culinary wisdom and learning the art of cooking from scratch.

As I stirred the simmering pot of Groundnut Stew, the familiar scents of onions, garlic, and spices filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, urging me to taste and adjust the seasoning until it was just right.

The stew slowly thickened and the flavors melded together, creating a rich and fragrant sauce that promised to be the perfect accompaniment to a bed of fluffy white rice. I added the final touches of chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts, giving the dish a vibrant pop of color and texture.

When I finally served the stew to my family that evening, their reactions were everything I had hoped for and more. The warm and velvety texture of the sauce, the tender chunks of chicken, and the subtle heat from the spices all came together in perfect harmony. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a delicious tribute to the culinary traditions of Sierra Leone.

From that day on, Sierra Leonean Groundnut Stew became a regular fixture on our family's dinner table. It was a dish that brought us together, a dish that sparked conversations about faraway lands and exotic ingredients. It became a symbol of my love for cooking and my passion for exploring new flavors and cuisines.

Over the years, I've made the stew countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I've shared it with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of African cooking to all who were willing to try it. And each time I make it, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for all the culinary knowledge and inspiration that has been passed down to me through the generations.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I am filled with a deep sense of appreciation for all the flavors and traditions that have shaped my cooking. And I know that as long as I have a pot on the stove and a handful of spices in my pantry, I will continue to explore new recipes, learn new techniques, and savor the joy of creating delicious meals for those I love.