African Yam Stew

Warm, nourishing, and packed with flavor, African Yam Stew is a vibrant one-pot dish that combines hearty yams, nutrient-rich greens, and a creamy peanut butter-infused broth. This gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe is a celebration of African-inspired spices, including earthy cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from optional chili powder. The addition of red bell peppers, ginger, and garlic creates a fragrant base, while crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth bring depth to the stew. Finished with a twist of lime and fresh cilantro for a bright, zesty kick, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meal prep. Ready in under an hour, this wholesome dish is as satisfying as it is flavorful. Perfectly paired with warm crusty bread or steamed rice, it's sure to bring joy to any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups yam (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 1 large red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• 4 pieces lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the garlic, grated ginger, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine and caramelize slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the diced yams to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes or until the yams are tender.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter with 1 cup of the hot stew broth until smooth. Then stir the mixture back into the stew.

Step 9

Add the chopped kale or spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

Step 10

Season the stew with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 11

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3129.3 grams (3129.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3170

Total Fat 159.20g	204%
Saturated Fat 21.20g	106%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4792mg	208%
Total Carbohydrate 371.80g	135%
Dietary Fiber 74.40g	266%
Total Sugars 57.60g
Protein 100.30g	201%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 742mg	57%
Iron 27mg	149%
Potassium 11497mg	245%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.1%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 44.8%