Nkate Nkwan (Ghanaian Peanut Shrimp Stew)

A deeply savory and slightly spicy West African peanut stew featuring tender shrimp, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, creamy peanut butter broth, traditionally served with white rice.

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 35 min
• Total: 50 min
• Servings: 4.5
• Cuisine: West African
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cost: $4.84/serving

Dietary

• Gluten-Free
• Dairy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Pescatarian
• High-Protein
• Halal

Tags

• one-pot
• comfort food
• spicy
• savory
• rich
• stir-fry

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (medium, chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 piece fresh ginger (1-inch piece, grated)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 pound shrimp (large, peeled and deveined)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 4 cup water
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

1. Rinse the white rice thoroughly. Combine rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in smooth peanut butter until dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Stir in shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, until shrimp is pink and opaque.
6. Fluff the cooked white rice with a fork. Ladle the Ghanaian Peanut Shrimp Stew over white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

The stew freezes well, making it a great option for future quick meals. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 34.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 53.5 g
• Fat: 20.5 g
• Fiber: 6.8 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Sugar: 7.2 g
• Cholesterol: 178 mg