Ghanaian groundnut stew is a deeply savory peanut and tomato stew, often served with rice and brightened with greens and lime.
The peanut butter thickens the tomato broth into a rich sauce while sweet potato and chicken make the pot satisfying and complete.
Whisk the peanut butter with warm stock before adding it so the sauce stays smooth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed rice with lime wedges, roasted peanuts, and a crisp cucumber salad.
Recipe Notes
The stew keeps refrigerated for three days and freezes well without the rice. Thin with stock when reheating.
Ghanaian Groundnut Stew with Chicken
A rich Ghanaian peanut and tomato stew with chicken, sweet potato, spinach, lime, and rice.
Equipment
- Heavy Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Stew
- 1 1/2 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14-ounce can
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter unsweetened
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb sweet potato peeled and cubed
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- 1 medium lime cut into wedges
- 2 cups cooked white rice for serving
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts for serving
Instructions
Brown the chicken:
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven. Season the chicken and brown it in batches, then transfer it to a plate.
- Cook the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
Build the stew:
- Add the tomatoes and cayenne. Whisk the peanut butter with one cup of the stock, then pour it into the pot with the remaining stock and sweet potato.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer until the chicken and sweet potato are tender, about 30 minutes.
Finish and serve:
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve over rice with lime wedges and roasted peanuts.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for the most balanced flavor.
- Add extra cayenne or a fresh chili if you prefer a hotter stew.
Nutrition
Calories: 530kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 690mgFiber: 8gSugar: 11g