African Peanut Stew (Instant Pot)

This seems to be a favourite hearty dish. Although it can’t be used for safe school lunches because it contains peanuts, it seems like a popular dish for lunches and dinners fresh or reheated.

Sauce (for crock pot, Instant Pot, and stove top methods)

• 1 cup tomato sauce or plain diced canned tomatoes
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter (no stir work best)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (adjust as needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (see note)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Remaining Ingredients for stew

• 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon cooking oil as needed – Use 1 Tablespoon if you are not browning meat.
• 1 can (15oz) chickpeas or garbanzo beans
• 2 cups broth (2 1/2 cups if adding meat)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (3 small cloves)
• 1 Tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 10 ounces (2 small) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
• 2/3 cup peeled and sliced carrot, optional
• 2 cups spinach leaves or 3 cups baby spinach

Instructions

Make the Sauce

1. Add all the sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and pulse to combine. Alternatively, you can place them in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.

Stove Top Instructions

1. Notes before you begin. If you are using meat, brown it in the pan first, before adding the other ingredients.
2. Heat a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, add the meat and brown for 5 minutes, turn meat once to evenly cook. When meat is almost cooked through, remove from pan and place on a large plate or bowl. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, add 1/2 tbsp to 1 tbsp oil and onions. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes, stirring often and scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Add the ginger and garlic and sauté another 1-2 minutes, then add the sweet potatoes and stir well to combine.
4. Add the tomato sauce, peanut butter, spices, spinach, and broth. Stir to combine. Simmer and cover for 1 hour or until sweet potatoes are tender and meat is cooked through.

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté and add cooking oil. When oil is hot, add onion and garlic, and sauté until onions are brown, about 2 minutes. NOTE: If adding meat, first brown the meat in the oil, then add onion and garlic, and continue to sauté until onions are brown, about 2 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients (minus toppings) and sauce, then stir to combine. Pressure cook on high power for 20 minutes, then allow a natural release of the pressure.
3. After pressure is released, remove the lid and transfer contents to bowls for serving.