Groundnut Chop (West African Peanut Stew)

Learn how to make authentic Groundnut Chop, a hearty West African chicken and beef stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce and served with a variety of fresh toppings.

 What Is Groundnut Chop?

When I first saw this groundnut chop as one of the title of recipes in the South of Sahara cookbook, I was really intrigued to try it and I did. Groundnut is a common description used by African to describe peanut. The groundnut chop dish has a peanut-based sauce, and the word “chop” itself is just a common term used by African to describe meal. So, there you go, groundnut chop. Groundnut chop can be served as light meal at home or if you plan a party, the fun part about having groundnut chop is the toppings that goes with the chop. You can have as few as three three toppings (which was our case), or you can go for as many as 10 toppings and become a buffet-style meal for family get-together or casual party.

Of course having said that, the meal is not just about peanut. There are many varieties of “chop” our there and this groundnut chop is just one of them. This groundnut chop recipe uses combination of two meats, chicken and beef. Preparation-wise is still very simple. Ingredients used are also predictable like other West African dishes, such as tomatoes, tomato paste, ground crayfish, and onion.

The groundnut chop has a very creamy, nutty and rich taste. I used pineapples, diced tomatoes and roasted chopped peanuts as toppings, which I find kinda nice to balance the richness of the groundnut chop itself. We love this dish and don’t let the list of the suggestion for toppings scare you because you don’t have to do all the toppings, goes with as few or as many as you like. I would say minimum of three toppings are acceptable and they are not complicated to prepare too.

Ingredients and Substitutions

1. Salt & ground ginger – These season the chicken right from the start. If you don’t have ground ginger, fresh grated ginger works too (use a bit more for punch).
2. Chicken – Thighs and drumsticks bring the most flavor, but you can use breasts or a mix. Cutting them smaller with a cleaver helps everything cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use all beef instead of mixing meats, or even swap with lamb or goat.
3. Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes give the best flavor, but canned tomatoes work fine if that’s what you have.
4. Onion – A must-have for the base flavor. Yellow or red onions both work.
5. Fresh hot peppers – Scotch bonnet, habanero, or chili peppers are most common. If you can’t find fresh peppers, use ½ teaspoon ground red pepper or adjust to your heat tolerance.
6. Beef – Adds richness and depth. Use stew beef or any cut that holds up well to simmering. You can skip it and just use chicken if you want a lighter version.
7. Ground crayfish powder – This is a traditional seasoning that adds a unique umami flavor. If you can’t find it, fish sauce or dried shrimp powder are good substitutes, or simply leave it out.
8. Thyme – Dried thyme works perfectly. If you have fresh thyme, use a few sprigs.
9. Tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives body to the sauce.
10. Peanut butter – The heart of this dish. Ensure it’s natural peanut butter, without added sugar or flavors. If using raw peanuts, you can roast and grind them into a paste as a traditional option.
11. Hard-boiled eggs – Added toward the end, they soak up the sauce beautifully. You can skip them if you’re not a fan, but they’re quite traditional.
12. Toppings – These toppings are what make Groundnut Chop such a fun and customizable meal. They add freshness, crunch, sweetness, or tang to balance the rich peanut sauce. Select two or three for a simple meal, or arrange many for a celebratory spread.

Groundnut Chop is one of those meals that makes you feel both nourished and comforted. It’s earthy, rich, and layered with flavors that only get better as they sit. If you’ve never cooked with peanuts in a savory dish, this will surprise you in the best way.