Name: Crockpot Thai Peanut Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 3 Tbsp peanut butter; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 Tbsp Thai red curry paste (vegan‑friendly brand); 1 tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional); 1 can full‑fat coconut milk; 1½ cups vegetable broth; Salt, to taste; Juice of ½ lime; Fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts, for garnish

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I’m sharing my version of Thai Peanut Stew made in the crockpot, a cozy, vegan-friendly stew featuring chickpeas, sweet potatoes, kale, and a creamy coconut‑peanut curry broth. It’s truly dump‑and‑go—just set it and forget it while rich flavors develop on their own

Crockpot Thai Peanut Stew

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I’m drawn to this stew because it’s incredibly hands‑off yet deeply comforting. The peanut butter and coconut milk blend with red curry paste and spices to create a rich, warming base, while chickpeas and sweet potatoes add heartiness. It’s plant‑based protein at its best—flavorful, satisfying, and effortless

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Kale, chopped (stems removed)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Thai red curry paste (check for vegan brand)
• Ground coriander
• Optional chili flakes
• Coconut milk (full-fat preferred)
• Vegetable broth
• Lime juice
• Garnish: cilantro and roasted peanuts

directions

• Combine chickpeas, sweet potatoes, kale, onion, garlic, and ginger in the crockpot.
• In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, red curry paste, coriander, chili flakes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth until smooth. Pour mixture over vegetable base.
• Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours (or high for about 4 hours) until sweet potatoes are tender and stew has thickened.
• Stir in lime juice just before serving. Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and extra lime wedges. Great over jasmine or brown rice

Servings and timing

I found this recipe yields 4 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cook time is about 6 hours on low (4 hours on high), for a total ready‑to‑serve time of roughly 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes make tweaks like:
• Use lite coconut milk for a lighter broth or reduce coconut for less richness.
• Add more chili flakes or fresh sliced chiles if I want heat.
• Swap kale for spinach or swiss chard if preferred.
• Include diced red bell pepper or carrots for extra veggies.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—simply thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop. To revive creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk when reheating

FAQs

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

I can make this on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a heavy pot until sweet potatoes are soft, about 45 minutes. I’d stir regularly to prevent sticking and adjust broth as needed

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes—I simply omit or reduce the chili flakes, and choose a mild red curry paste to keep the heat low while preserving flavor.

Is the peanut butter essential?

Absolutely—it adds creaminess, body, and nutty flavor to the stew. If allergic, I’ve substituted sunflower seed butter or tahini, though flavor shifts slightly.

How can I make this gluten-free?

It’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else—peas, sweet potato, coconut milk, peanut butter—is gluten-free.

What should I serve with the stew?

I love serving it over steamed jasmine or brown rice, but quinoa, cauliflower rice, or crusty whole-grain bread also pair beautifully with this hearty stew.

Conclusion

I’ve found this Crockpot Thai Peanut Stew to be one of my favorite hands-free meals. It’s rich, flavorful, and nourishing—and just requires minimal prep. Perfect for busy days or anytime I want a plant-based, protein-packed dinner that feels like it took much more effort than it does. It’s one of those recipes that really feels like a warm, comforting hug.