Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a heartwarming and wholesome dish that’s perfect for those chilly winter nights. This African Peanut and Squash Stew is not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also rich in nutrients. It’s a beautiful fusion of creamy peanut butter, tender squash, and aromatic spices that come together to create a comforting stew your whole family will love. This recipe is kid-friendly, healthy, and ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour.
African Peanut and Squash Stew
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 55 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 hot chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 cups water, divided
- 1 1/2 cups black-eyed peas, cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts
- 1 1/2 cups diced butternut squash
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
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Heat the Oil: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. As the oil begins to shimmer, add the finely chopped yellow onion.
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Sauté the Onion: Cover the saucepan and let the onion cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, grated ginger, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cumin. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their fragrant oils, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. 🌶️🍃
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Incorporate the Squash: Add the diced butternut squash to the saucepan. Stir well to coat the squash pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is infused with flavor.
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Add Water and Season: Pour in 1 1/4 cups of water and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
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Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter with the remaining 1/4 cup of water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Combine and Simmer: Stir the peanut butter mixture into the saucepan. Cover the pan and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Add Black-Eyed Peas and Peanuts: About 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the cooked black-eyed peas and the unsalted dry roasted peanuts. Stir well and let the stew continue to simmer until everything is heated through.
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Final Adjustments: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 253.7
- Fat: 14.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 190.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 27.3g
- Fiber: 5.9g
- Sugars: 5.8g
- Protein: 9g
Servings and Yield
- Servings: 6
This African Peanut and Squash Stew is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any dinner table. The creamy peanut butter adds a luscious richness, while the butternut squash and black-eyed peas provide a hearty, wholesome base. This dish is perfect for those seeking a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Enjoy this stew with a side of warm crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal. 🍲🍞🍚
Remember, recipes like this are meant to be enjoyed and shared. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this stew is sure to impress and warm everyone’s hearts. Happy cooking! 👩🍳❤️
