Grabbing a big spoonful of that warm, creamy West African Peanut Stew (Mafe), I can’t help but think back to the first time I tried this incredible dish. It was years ago during a trip to Senegal, and I’ll never forget the incredible flavors that burst in my mouth with that very first bite. The way the rich peanut butter blended seamlessly with the tomatoes, onions, and spices – it was love at first taste. From that moment on, I knew this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) was going to become a staple in my culinary repertoire.
Why This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
What makes this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) recipe so special is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The key is in the balance of the rich, creamy peanut butter and the tangy tomatoes, which are rounded out by aromatic spices and tender chicken. The result is a deeply satisfying, comforting stew that will have your taste buds singing. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, which means you can enjoy the flavors of West Africa any time the craving strikes.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is, of course, the peanut butter. Look for a high-quality, all-natural variety that will lend a luxurious texture and nutty flavor. Tomatoes, both fresh and canned, provide the perfect balance of acidity. Onions, garlic, and ginger form the aromatic base, while spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne add warmth and depth. Chicken thighs or drumsticks make this stew hearty and satisfying, but you can easily swap in chickpeas or sweet potatoes for a vegetarian option.
Step-by-Step West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) Instructions
Preparing Your West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) comes together in about an hour, making it a great weeknight dinner option. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all the delicious ingredients. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of oil in your pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2- Reduce the heat to medium and add the onions to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, peanut butter, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Whisk everything together until the peanut butter is fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4- Add the seared chicken back to the pot, nestling it into the stew. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
5- Remove the lid and stir in the chopped spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt down for 2-3 minutes.
6- Serve your West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) hot, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and perhaps a squeeze of lime juice for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) turns out perfectly, be sure to use a high-quality, smooth peanut butter – the flavor will really shine. Additionally, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. If you like things on the spicier side, feel free to add a bit more cayenne. And for a thicker, more stew-like consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes into the broth.
Serving and Storing Your West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
Perfect Pairings for West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it over steamed white or brown rice, with a side of roasted sweet potatoes, or alongside a fresh, crunchy slaw. It also goes great with warm, fluffy pita or naan bread for sopping up every last drop of that delicious broth.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating. This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is also a great make-ahead meal – the flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
Creative West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) Variations
While the classic version of West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the chicken for beef or lamb, or use a combination of proteins. You can also experiment with different veggies, like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or eggplant. For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or a diced jalapeño. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes, like toasted coconut, roasted peanuts, or fresh herbs.
Making West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) Diet-Friendly
This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free chicken broth. To make it vegan, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubed tofu, and use a creamy, plant-based peanut butter. If you’re watching your carbs, serve the stew over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of nut butter in this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) recipe?
A: While peanut butter is the traditional choice, you can certainly experiment with other nut butters, like almond or cashew. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be a bit different. Start with the same amount of nut butter and adjust to taste.
Q: How long does this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) take to make?
A: This West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) comes together in about an hour, with 30-35 minutes of simmering time. The prep work, like chopping the onions and browning the chicken, takes around 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I make this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This stew actually gets better the longer the flavors have a chance to meld. You can make it up to 4 days in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: How many people does this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes a large batch, serving 6-8 people as a main course. You can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Q: My stew seems too thin – what can I do?
A: If your West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is a bit too thin for your liking, you can try a few things. First, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the potatoes or chickpeas against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
Print
West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This authentic West African peanut stew, known as Mafe, is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor. Made with peanut butter, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 bell peppers, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chunky peanut butter
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. – Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. – Stir in the peanut butter, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. – Reduce heat to low and let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. – Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. – Serve the West African peanut stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, blend the stew with an immersion blender before serving.
– Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
– This stew can be made in advance and reheated, or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African
Conclusion
Whether you’re an avid home cook or just starting to explore the flavors of West Africa, this West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of rich, creamy peanut butter, tangy tomatoes, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable to suit your tastes. So what are you waiting for? Give this incredible West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!