Celebrate Kwanzaa with a Warm and Nourishing Vegan African Peanut Stew

 Celebrate Kwanzaa with a Warm and Nourishing Vegan African Peanut Stew

As the holiday season approaches and we gather to celebrate Kwanzaa, there’s no better way to honor the principles of unity and creativity than by sharing a delicious, hearty meal with loved ones. This winter, elevate your Kwanzaa celebrations with a dish that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of African cuisine: Vegan African Peanut Stew. Featuring fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika, seaweed, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and beans, this stew is a perfect addition to your festive table.

A Balance of Vibrant Flavors and Textures

This Vegan African Peanut Stew combines a medley of rich, savory flavors and delightful textures. The sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the smokiness of paprika and the seafood-like salty flavor depth of seaweed. Collard greens add a touch of earthy goodness, while beans contribute heartiness and protein. The creamy peanut butter brings everything together, creating a stew that's as comforting as it is satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons cooking oil (palm oil is traditional)

1/2 large onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped  (any color, red makes the stew look nice)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes

1 can tomato paste (6 oz)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) beans (blackeyes peas, butterbeans, white beans, navy beans, or chickpeas), drained and rinsed

1 hot pepper, deseeded and chopped (habanero, serrano, tabasco, or other) Adjust to your spicy preference 

1 cup peanut butter (natural, unsweetened chunky or smooth)

1 cup collard greens, chopped (any favorite hearty green)

1 sheet dried seaweed, torn into small pieces (optional, for umami flavor)

1 cup mushrooms sliced or vegan meat substitute (optional)

Juice of 1 lime

Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Crushed peanuts (for garnish)

Garam Masala seasoning blend (optional)

Soy Sauce or coconut aminos (optional)

Liquid Smoke (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced sweet potato, smoked paprika, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the sweet potatoes. Add a little water if needed to keep the seasoning from burning and help to coat the sweet potato better.

Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped hot  pepper, and vegetable broth to the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes. 

Add Beans and Peanut Butter: Stir in the beans and peanut butter, ensuring the peanut butter is fully dissolved into the stew. Simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Collard Greens and Seaweed: Add the chopped collard greens, torn seaweed, and vegan meat protein (if using) to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the sweet potato is tender.

Finish with Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. We adjusted ours using Garam Masala, creole seasoning, soy sauce, and liquid smoke.

Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and crushed peanuts. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Stew

This Vegan African Peanut Stew is a treat for your taste buds and packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes, greens, and beans provide fiber, vitamins,  and protein. The peanut butter offers a dose of healthy fats and protein, making this stew a well-rounded and hearty meal.

During Kwanzaa, a celebration of African heritage and culture, this stew brings a taste of tradition to your table. It aligns perfectly with the principles of Kwanzaa, such as Ujima (collective work and responsibility) and Nia (purpose), by encouraging us to come together, share, and nourish our bodies and spirits.

As you gather with family and friends to light the kinara and reflect on the values of Kwanzaa, let this stew be a symbol of unity and abundance. It's easy to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, and most importantly, it’s a delicious way to celebrate the season.

Other Kwanzaa related recipes for your Karamu:

Jollof Rice, Fried Plantain, and Creole Sauce

Southern Collard Greens

Catfish Style Fried Tofu

Navy Bean Pie

Heri Za Kwanzaa!!!

Let's Geaux, Veg Out and Eat More Plants

Dr. Omilade

Veg Out Daily Team