Punky Stew Recipe - A Taste of Sierra Leone

A delicious pumpkin and peanut stew; something perfect for the vegans in your life.

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The first time I came across the country of Sierra Leone was in model UN during my times in high school. Our class was assigned to represent this country with a small delegation at the roundhouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and we had to dig in and learn about a place that felt a million miles away at that time.

In the early 2010's life in Sierra Leone was rough to say the least. A civil war was raging in the country and the most famous book about Africa during that time period that was circumnavigating the globe was about child soldiers and their experiences in this war torn nation.

While representing Sierra Leone, I found that it was also a country with a lot of interesting history and deep traditions. It's a fertile part of Africa, with a gorgeous coastline and many indigenous tribes and unique peoples that populate the land. It's also a place that speaks English as a first language due to its English colonial presence and has it's capital of Freetown as a reminder of one of the first places where slaves were freed of their bondage during the colonial period.

Sierra Leone also is a West African nation, which means it has a food culture that is rooted in tradition and shared ingredients with other major players and colonial empires.

Punky stew, often referred to as a pumpkin groundnut (peanut) stew, is a beloved dish in Sierra Leone and across West Africa. It combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin or butternut squash with the richness of groundnuts, creating a thick and flavorful sauce. The dish is typically spiced with local seasonings and served with rice, cassava, or other staples. Its versatility allows for the inclusion of additional vegetables or proteins, depending on availability and personal preference.

The origins of punky stew can be traced to the agricultural and culinary traditions of Sierra Leone. Pumpkin and groundnuts are staples in the region, both valued for their nutritional content and versatility. Groundnuts, introduced to West Africa through trade with Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the 16th century, quickly became a vital crop in Sierra Leone due to their adaptability to the local climate and soil.

Pumpkin, indigenous to Africa, has long been cultivated for its sweet, tender flesh and its hardiness in diverse growing conditions. The combination of groundnuts and pumpkin reflects the West African tradition of balancing sweetness and nuttiness in savory dishes.

In Sierra Leone, food is deeply tied to communal gatherings and celebrations, and punky stew exemplifies this with its hearty, shareable nature. The dish is often prepared during festive occasions or as a comforting meal for the family. Its simplicity, nutritional value, and ability to be customized make it a staple in Sierra Leonean households.

Over time, punky stew has evolved with regional variations, incorporating other local ingredients and spices. Despite its adaptations, the dish remains a symbol of Sierra Leone’s rich agricultural heritage and the creativity of its cuisine.

Comments from Instagram:

Gonna be honest, this recipe didn't gather a bunch of comments, but one person said that it looks delicious!

Sierra Leone Punky Stew Recipe

Prep time 20 minutes | Cook time 45 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients

For the stew base:

• 2 tbsp palm oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)

• 1 yellow pepper, sliced

• 2 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 1 chili pepper (e.g., Scotch bonnet), finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 can of beans of your choice

• 3/4 can of coconut milk

• 3 cups water or stock

For seasoning:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 chicken boullion cube

• Salt and black pepper to taste

To serve:

• Steamed rice or cassava

• Fresh parsley or coriander, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the base: Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and golden. Stir in the garlic, and chili (if using) and cook for another minute.

2. Cook the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down.

3. Add the pumpkin and sweet potato:Stir in the pumpkin cubes. Add in seasonings. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the spices. Add in stockk

4. Simmer the stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 10 minutes. Add in coconut milk and peanut butter and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more water if needed for a desired consistency.

5. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning with more chili for heat or a pinch of sugar if desired.

6. Serve: Spoon the stew over steamed rice or serve alongside boiled cassava. Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander for a fresh finish.

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. Let's explore international cuisine together!

If you want to try to make more flavors of Africa, check out the links my recipes below.

East Africa

Djiboutian Skoudehkaris - A deeply rich beef and lamb rice dish

Kenyan Kuku Paka - A creamy coconut chicken curry

Malawian Zitumbuwa - Crispy banana fritters

Mozambican Matapa - A thick and hearty peanut and greens stew

Somali Baasto - A East Africa take on a traditional Italian meat and pasta dish.

Tanzanian Coconut Pilau - A creamy coconut infused rice dish.

Southern Africa

Zambian Ifisashi - A rich peanut and greens stew.

West Africa

Central African Republic Sauce Gombo - An okra stew with plenty of meat

Cameroonian Poulet DG - A spicy and vibrant chicken one pot with plantains

Chadian Daraba - A peanut and greens stew

Guinean Kansiye - A vibrant beefy peanut stew

Malian Tigue Degue - A rich and satisfying peanut chicken stew

Nigerienne Djerma Stew - A complex, tomato peanut infused chicken stew

Nigerian Jollof Rice - The famous spiced rice of West Africa

Senegalese Poulet Yassa - A cheerful caramelized onion and lemon one pot.