Chicken and Vegetables Braised in Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts (1/2 lb) or 1 cup 'all natural' creamy peanut butter

3 cups water

4 1/2 to 5 1/2 lb chicken pieces such as drumsticks, thighs, and breast halves

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 (14- to 16-oz) can diced tomatoes including juice

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne

2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 lb sweet potatoes (2 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

4 medium turnips (1 lb), peeled if desired, halved horizontally, and cut into 3/4-inch wedges

1 lb spinach, coarse stems discarded