Flight Pantry

Hello everyone!

Some dishes comfort us in ways that are hard to explain — like a warm hug at the end of a long day, or a soft blanket on a cold afternoon. This African peanut stew with beef and sweet potato is one of those dishes. Rich in flavor, exotic yet familiar, it blends simple, everyday ingredients with unexpected depth.

Inspired by West African cuisine, this one-pot wonder brings together the sweetness of sweet potatoes, the creaminess of tomatoes and peanut butter, the earthiness of spinach, and the crunch of roasted peanuts. It’s a true explosion of color, texture, and flavor — and a fantastic way to try something new without any fuss.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress friends over the weekend.

Servers 4

Ingredients:

• 500g beef or pork, cut into cubes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

• 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 small eggplant, diced

• 1 can (400g) peeled tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter

• 150g fresh spinach

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• Olive oil, as needed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Water, as needed

• A handful of unsalted peanuts, to serve

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until the onion softens.

2. Brown the meat: Add the meat cubes and season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until the meat is browned on all sides.

3. Add the vegetables: Stir in the sweet potato, zucchini, and eggplant. Mix well and let them sauté for 2–3 minutes.

4. Make the sauce: Pour in the peeled tomatoes and about 250ml of water. Cover and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

5. Incorporate the peanut butter: Mix the peanut butter with a bit of the hot broth, then stir it into the pot. Let the sauce thicken and become creamy.

6. Finish with spinach: Add the spinach and let it wilt for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Serve: Serve hot, topped with crunchy peanuts. You can enjoy it with plain rice or as a hearty stew on its own.

Enjoy!