1-Pot Chickpea Tomato Peanut Stew (West African-Inspired)

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp coconut, olive, or avocado oil ((if avoiding oil, sub water))
• 1 medium red or white onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced ((seeds and stems removed))
• 6 cloves garlic, minced ((6 cloves yield ~3 Tbsp or 18 g))
• 1 large pinch sea salt
• 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 2-4 tsp chili garlic sauce ((we like Huy Fong Foods brand // or sub cayenne to taste))
• 1 cup natural, salted peanut or almond butter ((creamy or chunky))
• 2 cups light coconut milk
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water, depending on desired thickness
• Cauliflower Rice, Rice, or Quinoa
• Fresh lime juice / lime wedges
• Naan or pita
• Cilantro or basil

Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add oil (or water), onion, red pepper, garlic, and a large pinch of salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently or until peppers and onions are softened.
2. Add the tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, chili garlic sauce, peanut butter, coconut milk, and (rinsed, drained) chickpeas. Stir to combine. Add water to desired thickness — about 2 cups (480 ml // as original recipe is written – adjust if altering the default number of servings).
3. Bring to a simmer, then lower heat, cover, and continue cooking until slightly thickened and fragrant — about 15-20 minutes. Turn the heat down if it's boiling — you're looking for a low simmer.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt to taste, additional peanut butter for depth of flavor and creaminess, chili garlic sauce for heat, or tomato paste for tomato flavor.
5. Serve as a stew, over rice, or with naan or pita. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of raw or steamed broccoli (which happens to be our favorite). Basil and cilantro are delicious finishing touches.
6. Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding more water or coconut milk to thin as needed.