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: