West African Sweet Potato Stew

Sweet potatoes are one of the many ingredients that scream fall. There are many dishes that are ubiquitous during the fall season that feature sweet potatoes such as sweet potato pie. The sweetness of sweet potatoes goes extremely well with sweet spices such as allspice, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. When you combine sweet potatoes with savory ingredients, the results can be just as delicious. This sweet potato stew inspired by West African cuisine is a dish that combines both sweet and savory ingredients to create a delicious vegetarian main dish or a great side dish for any meal. If you are bored with your sweet potato recipes, give this sweet potato stew a try. It is will open up your palate to new taste possibilities. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks 

4 cloves of chopped garlic 

1 cup of chopped cilantro 

1 28 ounce can of chopped tomatoes 

1 small can of chick peas

1 package of frozen green beans 

2 teaspoons of ground cumin 

1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 

1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1 cup of water 

1/2 cup of chunky peanut butter 

salt 

black pepper

Method: 

In a blender of food processor combine the garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, cayenne pepper, water, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Pulse the mixture until fully combined. Place the mixture into a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil place the chunks of sweet potato into the mixture. Simmer the sweet potatoes for about an hour. After an hour of simmering, add the chick peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Next add the frozen green beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes at a simmer. The dish is down when the sweet potatoes are tender. During the cooking process be sure to stir the sweet potatoes to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.