Potatoes Around the World: African Potato and Cauliflower Stew

Potatoes around the world – that’s what we’re talking about! Yes, everyone’s doing St. Patrick’s Day potato recipes and green drinks and, if you’re lookin’ for some of that, check out my twist on Guinness Beef Stew or super easy Potato Leek Soup and gorgeous photos of our trip to the Emerald Isle.

We always think of the potato as a staple food in Ireland, but the potato has been a staple in so many other cuisines around the world. I won’t deny you the corn beef  and potato hash or Irish stew, but let’s expand our cultural horizons and see how the versatility of the humble spud has been appreciated far and wide.

When first introduced to sub-Saharan (the African countries east, west, and south of the Sahara) African foods, you might experience a feeling of familiarity. Long ago West African ingredients and cooking methods became assimilated in Southern, Creole, Soul and Cajun cooking. The five million Africans brought to the Americas during the slave trade greatly influenced the cuisine in the new country. Caribbean and Brazilian cuisines are also derived from West Africa with added French and Latin influences.

A one-dish meal consisting of a starch (rice, millet, maize porridge, or “fufu” (pounded plantains, yams, or cassava) served with a spicy stew or soup is most characteristic of West Africa. The cuisines of East and Southern Africa share many ingredients with that of West Africa. Pumpkins, yams, sweet potatoes, peanuts, corn, cabbage,and coconuts are used in all these regions. Tender greens are often added to stews just before serving. Africa has hundreds of types of greens that are not available here or in Europe, but suitable substitutes include spinach, sorrel, beet and turnip greens, chard, and collards. If you grew up in the South – “greens” most often refers to collards.

I noticed that many African stew recipes had a sweet and savory component, which I love – many using fruit juices instead of a meat broth or tomato base, fruits such as bananas and apples, and currants, raisins or dried apricots. Drawing from my pantry items, I incorporated apple sauce, tomato sauce, and dried apricots with a blend of aromatic exotic spices, including freshly ground coriander seeds, cumin, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg with russets (those labeled Idaho Potatoes are the best), yams, and cauliflower. Beside the well known russet potato, there are two types of sweet potatoes pictured above –  they are both sweet potatoes, even though supermarkets and government labeling often confuse consumers by mislabeling one or the other as “yams”.

Both Don and I enjoyed the subtle spiciness and exotic flavor profile immensely.  A comforting, satisfying and delicious vegetarian stew, perfect for Meatless Monday or any day and a welcome change from traditional American-style Beef Stew with potatoes and carrots. I think you’ll like it as well!

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African Potato and Cauliflower Stew

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

A comforting, satisfying vegetarian stew with a subtle spiciness and exotic flavor profile - a welcome change from traditional American-style Beef Stew with potatoes and carrots.

Servings: 4 -6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1/8 teaspoon red chile flakes
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander seed
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 Idaho russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 -15 ounce can No-Salt tomato sauce
• 3-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 medium sweet potato or yam peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 cups cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
• 4 cups thinly sliced collard greens
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• Garnish: chopped peanuts or cashews chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened.
2. Stir in red chile flakes, ground coriander, ginger, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne and cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Add russet potatoes, stir in the water, tomato sauce, and apple sauce. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. *Alternatively, you can add all remaining ingredients and transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Stir in the cauliflower, sweet potato, collard greens and apricots. Cover and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and sweet potatoes are fork tender.

Recipe Notes

I used my beloved Lodge cast iron Dutch Oven, but any stew is easily adapted to a slow cooker.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free.

Disclosure: The Idaho Potato Commission has compensated me for the development of my Potatoes Around the World recipes.