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Ugandan peanut stew with anchovies.

Peanut Stew with Anchovies

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Authentic Ugandan peanut stew with anchovies. Creamy, rich, and full of tradition, this hearty groundnut stew recipe brings comfort and a taste of East African cuisine.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 700 g (1 ½ lbs) anchovies, headed and gutted
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 3 red bell peppers
  • 3 green bell peppers
  • 300 g (10 ½ oz) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) cornmeal
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) ground peanuts or peanut butter
  • 5 dl (2 cups) fish stock
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

To Serve

  • Matooke or rice

Instructions

  1. Add the anchovies to a bowl with the lemon slices and cold water and let sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and drain.
  2. Place the bell peppers, cherry tomatoes (whole), and sliced onion on a roasting tray or oven-safe dish. Roast in the oven at 250°C (480°F) for 25 minutes.
  3. Add the anchovies to a bowl and mix with the cornmeal, black pepper, and salt until all are evenly coated.
  4. Spread one tablespoon of olive oil onto a roasting tray, place a sheet of parchment paper on top, and press so it sticks firmly. Spread two more tablespoons of olive oil over the parchment. Arrange the anchovies in a single layer and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Roast in the oven at 250°C (480°F) for 30 minutes, or until completely dry and crisp.
  5. Mix the ground peanuts or peanut butter with a little water until completely smooth and lump-free.
  6. Season the roasted vegetables with black pepper and add them to a food processor with a splash of water. Blend until smooth.
  7. Add the peanuts to the food processor and blend again until well combined.
  8. Transfer the blended mixture to a pot and pour in the fish stock.
  9. Simmer on low heat for 1 hour, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn.
  10. Season with salt and continue simmering for another hour, or until the peanut oil begins to rise to the surface.
  11. Mix in some of the anchovies, leaving the rest for garnish.
  12. Serve with rice, matooke, or your preferred side dish. Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes