Cuisine : Mafe - Steps to make this traditional West African stew

 

Mafé, also known as "groundnut stew" or "peanut butter stew," is a traditional West African dish, especially popular in Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. This rich and hearty stew features a peanut-based sauce that brings depth and creaminess, balanced with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Mafé has spread across various regions, with each locale putting its unique twist on the dish.

The heart of Mafé is its peanut sauce, which provides a creamy and nutty base for a mixture of vegetables, meat (such as chicken, lamb, beef, or fish), and often root vegetables like sweet potatoes, yams, or carrots. The flavors in Mafé are both savory and slightly sweet, with the rich, roasted taste of peanuts enhancing the stew's depth. In many West African households, Mafé is a staple dish that’s served over rice, couscous, or millet.

How Mafé is Prepared

1. Ingredients:

Meat (chicken, beef, lamb, or fish)

Peanut butter (natural, unsweetened)

Tomatoes (fresh or canned) or tomato paste

Onions, garlic, and ginger

Assorted vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers)

Stock or water

Vegetable oil

Salt, pepper, and optional spices (paprika, cayenne, or bay leaf)

Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme (optional)

2. Preparation Steps:

Prepare the Meat:

Cut the meat into chunks. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally some cayenne for a hint of spice.

In a large pot, heat oil and brown the meat until it develops a nice color on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the dish. Remove the meat and set aside.

Create the Base with Aromatics:

In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes break down, creating a thick and flavorful base.

Incorporate the Peanut Sauce:

Stir in the peanut butter, mixing thoroughly to combine with the tomato base.

Slowly add water or stock, stirring continuously until the peanut butter is well-incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.

Combine Meat and Vegetables:

Return the browned meat to the pot, followed by the root vegetables and any other chosen vegetables.

Add additional stock or water if needed to cover the ingredients. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Simmer and Season:

Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low to medium heat for 30–45 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent the peanut sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional spices as desired.

Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Serve hot over rice, couscous, or millet to absorb the rich sauce.

Mafé’s comforting and rich flavors make it a beloved dish across West Africa and beyond, with each bite showcasing the savory depth of peanuts and a medley of textures from the vegetables and meat.