Peanut butter helps West African-style stew find the 'sweet spot'
I am on a constant quest for exciting ways to hit what I call the "sweet spot," where delicious and healthy meet. Happily, there are endless such discoveries to be made by exploring cuisines from around the globe, and it's doubly nice when their ingredients are easily accessible as they are for this wonderful West African-inspired one-pot meal.
The stew's distinctive taste comes from its unexpected combination of familiar flavors: peanut butter, which provides a creamy, toasty richness; and a warm, earthy spice blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric and cinnamon. These healthful seasonings add richness, nutrition and depth to the colorful medley of sweet potatoes, tomato, bell pepper and collard greens that is studded with plump chunks of chicken breast.
If you are feeling a little bored with your health-conscious eating routine, this sumptuously satisfying dish is sure to shake things up.
• Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and author who hosts public television's "Ellie's Real Good Food." She blogs and offers a weekly newsletter at www.elliekrieger.com.