Lentil Peanut Stew

Dhal is a lentil or split pea curry popular in parts of the Caribbean with its origins in India. In Zimbabwe, peanut stew involves cooking peanut butter with chili, spices, vegetables and starch or protein (typically chicken). The dish is common in many other parts of West and southern Africa.

I had to combined the two and it worked seamlessly! This is in no way an exact rendition of either dish, I'm not an expert.

This is based this off what I have tasted eating at various restaurants, grew up eating in my own culture as a Zimbabwean, and read.

I wanted to serve the stew with plantains so I needed a thicker consistency but dhal is typically blended into a soup texture. You can do what works best for you. I did, however, add sautéed garlic and cumin, which is meant to add a smoky element to the dhal.

This is a hearty, tasty meal perfect for weeknights, enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups lentils

1/2 large sweet potato, diced

1 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 cups water

2 tablespoons Worchester sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon hot madras curry powder

1 tomato + 1/3 cup tomato sauce

1/2 large yellow onion, diced

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 small chili pepper, finely chopped

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

2 tablespoons palm oil (or vegetable oil)

1/2 cup frozen peas

1/2 teaspoon ginger

3 tablespoons garlic, minced

2 tablespoons ground cumin

1 scallion, chopped

2 bay leaves

Instructions

Wash the lentils and sweet potato.

In a large pot mix in the lentils with palm oil and the spices. Cook for 3 minutes.

Add the onions, chili pepper, sweet potato and scallion, cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste, sauce, and tomato. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add the water and coconut milk, then simmer for about 25 minutes with the bay leaves until the sweet potato is softened and the lentils break down easily.

About halfway through add the peanut and stir until incorporated.

In a small separate pan, heat the garlic and cumin until almost burnt, then add to the stew. Remove the bay leaves.

Serve hot with plantains, rice or flatbread.