Week 246: West African Peanut Stew
Hello & Welcome back!!
I hope everyone enjoyed their break, we had so much fun on our trip that I feel like I need another one to relax & recover from spring break. Somehow I don't think that's in the cards, so we are diving back into the routine. And while I am disappointed that I'm back in my winter clothes, it does present me with the opportunity to feature a heartier soup on the menu this week. And I know a lot of you would have been disappointed if I ended the soup season without offering this unique and tasty soup!!
On the menu for TUESDAY, APRIL 9th is WEST AFRICAN PEANUT STEW, MULTI-SEED BREAD, and OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES. This West African-inspired stew of chicken, sweet potatoes and peanuts is rich, creamy and packed with flavor! The secret ingredient here is chunky peanut butter, it adds great texture and the essential peanut taste to the stew. If the idea of peanut butter and tomatoes makes you question this soup, I urge you to get past your apprehension. My mother, who doesn't like peanut butter, was hesitant at first but once she tried it she absolutely loved it.
The stew begins with sautéing onion, garlic and fresh ginger in the pot. Next, diced chicken is added to brown. Once the chicken is cooked, homemade chicken stock, diced sweet potatoes and a little crushed red pepper are added. Once the sweet potatoes are soft, diced tomatoes, fresh kale and chunky peanut butter are dropped in. The stew is garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.
My bread companion this week is my MULTI-SEED BREAD. This delicious bread is dark, slightly sweet and has a satisfying crunch from the multi-seed topping. Not only is it fantastic fresh from the oven, if you can save some for breakfast it makes the best toast!!
On the menu for dessert are OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES. As a staple cookie in any baker's kitchen, my version will certainly not disappoint! These cookies are made with brown sugar, vanilla (a whole TBSP!), cinnamon, chewy oats, sweet raisins, and a secret ingredient that creates a soft and chewy cookie! They have moist and tender centers, with a slight crisp on the edges. - Jenny from Jenny Sue Delights