Tag: peanut

Spicy African Peanut Stew with Freekah

Spicy Peanut Stew

 
One of my favorite go-to recipes during the cool months is this Spicy African Peanut Stew. I can’t think of a better way to kick off Autumn than with a hearty and healthy stew. This recipe has a lot of flavors going on which makes it very comforting. Spicy chilies add a kick while sweet potatoes and carrots add nice bulk and  although you don’t usually find peanut butter in stew recipes, it is what makes this recipe oh so good. Usually I ladle this stew over brown rice, but today I am using freekah; a chewy, earthy and nutty grain.

Spicy African Peanut Stew with Freekah

Spicy African Peanut Stew with Freekah

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 celery stalks,chopped
  • 2 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 1/2 c red onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 2 cans petite diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 c peanut butter (I used chunky)
  • 1 c water
  • Handful of chopped cilantro, garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish
  • 1 c freekah or brown rice

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic. Stir and cook 5 minutes with lid on.
  2. Add carrots, sweet potato, celery and onion. Cook 7 minutes with lid on, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook rice according to package directions.
  4. Add tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Add water and peanut butter. Stir to incorporate. Cook an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Add 1/2 c rice to a bowl and ladle stew over the top. Garnish with lime and cilantro.
http://freshandfit.org/spicy-african-peanut-stew-with-freekah/

 

Cool Peanut Penne

cool peanut penne recipe

Yesterday on makeyourbestself.com, a self help website I contribute to, I discussed my feelings on carbs and why I believe that even simple carbs can be part of a healthy diet. The key point I stress is balance. You can read the article here. Today’s recipe is another great balanced recipe with ample plant based protein, healthy fat, and of course, carbs. This cool peanut penne would be an awesome dish to bring as a side dish to summer parties and makes a delicious vegan option as well. I used the same peanut sauce as the one featured in my spicy peanut zoodles recipe. If you would prefer to use a zoodle (zucchini noodle) instead of pasta, that recipe is perfect.

 

Cool Peanut Penne

Yield: 6-8 servings

Serving Size: 1 c

Ingredients

  • 4 c penne pasta, dry
  • 1 c shredded carrots
  • 1 c edamame beans, thawed if frozen
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1 c cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • For peanut sauce
  • 5 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chili paste
  • 4 tbsp peanut butter, I used crunchy

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables and toppings.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together ingredients for peanut sauce.
  4. Strain pasta, toss with half of peanut sauce and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  5. Add veggies, and the rest of the peanut sauce and mix well. Chill until serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
http://freshandfit.org/cool-peanut-penne/