Coconut Peanut Stew with Roast Vegetables

 A slow, comforting bowl built for balance

This is the kind of food I return to when I want warmth without heaviness. Nutty, gently spiced, and deeply satisfying, a stew that holds you, not overwhelms you.

Serves: 4

Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients

For the stew

• 2 tbsp vegetable or groundnut oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½–1 tsp chilli flakes (to taste)

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 400g chopped tomatoes

• 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter

• 400ml coconut milk

• 250ml vegetable stock

• Salt, to taste

• 
  

For the roast vegetables

• 1 small butternut squash or sweet potato, cubed

• 2 carrots, thickly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper

• 
  

To finish

• Juice of ½ lime

• Fresh coriander or spring onions

• Chopped Thai chillies (optional)

  
  

Method

1. Roast the vegetables Preheat oven to 200°C.Toss the squash, carrots, and pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.Roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelised and tender. Set aside.

2. Build the base Heat oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook slowly until soft and lightly golden, this is where flavour begins. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Layer the spice Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, chilli flakes, and coriander. Cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the spices bloom and deepen.

4. Create the stew Pour in chopped tomatoes, then stir in the peanut butter until fully dissolved. Add coconut milk and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Bring it together Add the roasted vegetables to the pot.Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until thick, glossy, and comforting. Season with salt and finish with lime juice.

6. Serve Spoon into warm bowls.Garnish with herbs and serve with rice, millet, or flatbread — or enjoy just as it is.

Chef’s Note

This stew balance.The peanut grounds it. The coconut lifts it. The vegetables carry the story.

It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be heavy, just honest. Top with Thai chillies if you like some added heat.