Zimbabwean Peanut Butter Stew with Vegetables

Zimbabwean Peanut Butter Stew with Vegetables

This traditional Zimbabwean dish, known locally as Dovi, is a savory and creamy peanut butter stew made with tender vegetables. The combination of rich peanut butter, tomatoes, and various vegetables offers a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients. Often served with rice or sadza, it is a hearty and comforting meal that showcases the culinary heritage of Zimbabwe.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked rice or sadza (Zimbabwean cornmeal porridge)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, carrot, and green beans.
• Roughly chop the spinach.

2. Cook the Base:

• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

• Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the ground cumin and ground coriander, cooking for another minute to release the flavors.

4. Incorporate the Peanut Butter:

• Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Add the smooth peanut butter, stirring until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

5. Simmer the Vegetables:

• Add the sliced carrot and green beans to the pot.
• Simmer for about 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6. Finish and Season:

• Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve:

• Serve the Zimbabwean Peanut Butter Stew hot, accompanied by cooked rice or sadza.

Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish that brings a taste of Zimbabwean cuisine to your table!