African-Inspired Peanut Stew

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
• 1 medium yellow onion - minced
• 3 garlic cloves - minced
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
• 3 cups cooked kidney beans or 2 (15 ounce cans) beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with their juices
• 1/3 cup peanut butter, preferably crunchy
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach or Swiss chard

1. 1. For the best flavor, heat the oil in a medium-size skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer, then stir in the ginger (if using), coriander, cumin, curry powder, and cayenne. Alternatively, omit the oil and saute these ingredients in a few tablespoons of water or combine them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water, cover, and microwave for 2 minutes.
2. 2. Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, beans and tomatoes and their juices.
3. 3. Ladle about 1/2 up of the broth into a small bowl and whisk in the peanut butter, then scrape the mixture into the slow cooker along with the remaining broth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
4. 4. Stir in the chopped spinach, then cover and continue cooking for 1 hour. Alternatively, place the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes, then add the spinach to the stew just before serving time.

olive oil, garlic, ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground curry, cayenne pepper, sweet potatoes, green bell pepper, kidney beans, tomatoes, peanut butter, vegetable broth, salt, fresh spinach

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/african-inspired-peanut-stew-52256011 (may not work)