National Dish Malawi: Nandolo Stew (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Nandolo Stew, a warming, wholesome dish that carries the heart of Malawi to your table. Ground peanuts, tender beans and a medley of fresh vegetables simmer together into a rich, nourishing pot that captures the generous flavours of African home cooking. It is naturally plant-based, easy to pull together on a busy evening, and every bit as satisfying at a celebration. Cook up a batch and let the aromas of the warm heart of Africa fill your kitchen.
About Nandolo Stew
Nandolo Stew is a traditional dish from Malawi that sets many a food lover’s heart racing. It brings together the rich flavours of African cooking with wholesome, nourishing ingredients. At its core are groundnuts, fresh vegetables and tender beans, which come together to make a harmonious and delicious meal. Beyond its festive taste, the dish offers a lovely way to bring a little of Malawi’s culture onto your own table, much like a comforting bowl of Nsima with Groundnut Stew.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g beans (e.g. black-eyed beans or kidney beans)
- 100 g groundnuts (unsalted and unroasted)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 courgette, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Seasoning to taste (e.g. salt, pepper, curry powder)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Nandolo Stew, it is well worth paying attention to the quality of your ingredients. Visit a local market or supermarket to find fresh vegetables and good-quality groundnuts. Take particular care that the beans are well sealed so their freshness is guaranteed. Where possible, reach for organic produce to get the best flavour and the most nutrients from your dish.
Preparing the dish
Good preparation is an important step when making Nandolo Stew. First, the beans should be soaked overnight so they cook through more quickly. The groundnuts can also be roasted to deepen their flavour. Cut the vegetables into even pieces so they cook uniformly and look appealing in the finished pot. A little groundwork goes a long way towards a successful dish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Put the soaked beans into a pan, cover with fresh water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until soft.
- In a separate pan, heat the oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic over a medium heat.
- Add the diced vegetables — pepper, carrots and courgette — and fry for about 5–7 minutes, until lightly softened.
- Stir the cooked beans and the groundnuts through the vegetables and mix well.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, add your chosen seasoning, and let the dish simmer over a low heat for 15–20 minutes.
- Before serving, adjust the consistency of the stew to taste, adding more stock if needed.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Nandolo Stew is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free. Since it uses no gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, nor any dairy, it is an ideal choice for anyone sensitive to gluten or lactose. Just make sure that all your ingredients — the stock in particular — are gluten-free, so the dish is suitable for every diet. That way you can tuck in without a worry while keeping your wellbeing in mind.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Nandolo Stew is a superb option for vegans and vegetarians, as it is made entirely from plant-based ingredients. To make the dish even higher in protein, you can add extra pulses or a little tofu. Aromatic spices not only enrich the flavour but also add welcome variety. A handful of fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley, stirred in just before serving gives a lovely burst of freshness.
More tips and tricks
When you make Nandolo Stew, feel free to experiment with the seasoning to find the perfect balance for your palate. Try different combinations of cumin, thyme or even a touch of chilli for extra heat. The consistency is easy to adjust too — add more stock for a lighter soup, or less for a thicker stew. Let your creativity run free and shape the recipe around your own preferences.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The wonderful thing about Nandolo Stew is its versatility. You can easily tailor the recipe to your own tastes by using different vegetables, depending on the season or what is available. Courgette can be swapped for pumpkin or aubergine, and the type of bean is flexible too — similar varieties can be exchanged without fuss to achieve different textures. This makes the dish not only tasty and nourishing but a little different every time you cook it, in the same spirit as a hearty Pumpkin Leaf Stew.
Ingredient substitutions
Several ingredients in Nandolo Stew can be swapped according to taste or availability. In place of groundnuts, for example, you could use cashews or almonds for a slightly different flavour note — or reach for a spoonful of Mtedza Butter to keep that signature peanut richness. The choice of vegetables can be flexible too, based on personal preference or simply what the fridge has to offer. This adaptability makes the dish especially practical for everyday cooking and a great chance to experiment with new flavour combinations.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with Nandolo Stew. A refreshing ginger beer or a fruity mocktail complements the flavours of the dish wonderfully. If you would rather have wine, choose a light white or a fruity red to underline its layers of flavour. Water with lemon or mint is another refreshing, healthy option that rounds off the meal nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
An appealing presentation can lift the whole Nandolo Stew experience. Serve the dish in a deep bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs or chopped groundnuts for a little visual flourish. A few slices of fresh bread or a colourful salad on the side round out the meal and make it inviting. Aim for the colours of the dish to really shine, so you present an appetising and healthy meal.
A bit of history
Nandolo Stew has its origins in the indigenous cooking of Malawi and reflects the country’s rich culture. Food plays a central role in Malawian life, both day to day and at festive occasions. The use of groundnuts in the dish is especially typical of the region, offering both flavour and nourishment. The ingredients are often locally sourced, so the dish also expresses a connection to the land and to the community — a connection you will taste right across Malawian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Nandolo Stew
Nandolo Stew is not only a simple dish to prepare — it brings the flavours and culture of Malawi straight to the table. The combination of groundnuts, beans and fresh vegetables makes for a nourishing, tasty meal that adapts easily to different diets. Whether as a hearty supper or as part of a celebration, this dish delights young and old alike. Give it a go and let the cooking of Africa inspire you.
