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Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe

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3.8 from 24 reviews

Mafe, also known as Maafe, is a classic Senegalese peanut stew featuring tender beef simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with peanut butter, tomatoes, and spices. This hearty and comforting dish is traditionally served with rice or vegetables, offering a delicious taste of West African cuisine.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 lbs stew beef, cut into smaller pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups stock/broth
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Seasonings & Spices

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus pinch of salt for browning beef
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Wash the stew beef thoroughly and cut it into smaller pieces appropriate for stewing.
  2. Heat olive oil and brown beef: Pour ¼ cup of olive oil into a pan over medium heat. Add the beef pieces along with black pepper and a pinch of salt, then sauté for 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides.
  3. Chop vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper to the pan with the beef and sauté for another 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  5. Add tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 1 cup of water and 2 cups of stock or broth. Add 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt to taste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Simmer the stew: Allow the stew to cook for 5 more minutes at a boil, enabling the flavors to develop.
  8. Add peanut butter: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter until it dissolves completely into the sauce.
  9. Thicken the sauce: Let the stew cook for another 2 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  10. Serve: Serve your Mafe hot, traditionally accompanied by cauliflower rice or your preferred side, and enjoy this savory Senegalese peanut stew.

Notes

  • You can substitute stew beef with lamb or chicken if desired.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and eggplant.
  • Peanut butter can be creamy or chunky; either works but creamy blends more smoothly into the sauce.
  • This stew pairs well with traditional white rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: West African

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/mafe-senegalese-peanut-stew-recipe/