Lamb stewed in Peanut Sauce

Description
Peanut butter stews can be found throughout West Africa and even in parts of Brazil and the Caribbean. This Beninoise version features vegetables and lamb, though you can use chicken or beef as well

Ingredients

 * 1.5 kg lamb shoulder, cut in pieces
 * 6 tbsp peanut butter
 * 4 cups water
 * ¼ cup peanut oil
 * 2 onions, chopped
 * 2 garlic cloves, crushed
 * 1 x 28 oz can diced tomatoes
 * 2 sprig thyme
 * 1 tbsp powdered shrimp
 * 8 carrots, cut in chunks
 * 3 sweet potatoes or potatoes, cut in chunks
 * 1 small cabbage (optional)
 * 4 turnips (optional)
 * salt

Directions

 * 1) Boil the water and peanut butter together for 20 minutes.
 * 2) Let cool and remove fat layer on top.
 * 3) Brown the lamb pieces in the peanut oil in a large pot.
 * 4) Add the chopped onions and brown.
 * 5) Add the garlic.
 * 6) Add the tomatoes.
 * 7) Add the thyme and powdered shrimp.
 * 8) Add salt to taste.
 * 9) Add the carrots (and the cabbage and turnips, if you're using them).
 * 10) Add the peanut butter / water mix.
 * 11) Cook for about 20 minutes.
 * 12) Add the sweet potatoes and cook until the meat is done and the vegetables are tender.
 * 13) Serve with white rice.