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Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Senegalese

Description

Mafe, also known as Maafe, is a rich and hearty Senegalese peanut stew featuring tender beef simmered in a flavorful peanut butter sauce, enhanced with tomatoes, bell peppers, and fragrant spices. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is traditionally served with rice or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 2 lbs stew beef

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 onion

Condiments & Spices

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • pinch of salt (to brown the beef)

Liquids & Oils

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups stock/broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Wash the stew beef thoroughly and cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
  2. Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into a pan and heat it over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the beef, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the beef is nicely browned on all sides, which enhances flavor.
  4. Chop Vegetables: While the beef cooks, chop the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes until they start to soften and release their aroma.
  6. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the beef and vegetables, blending it evenly into the mixture.
  7. Cook Tomato Paste: Allow the tomato paste to cook for about 5 minutes to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw taste.
  8. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the water, stock or broth, add the beef bouillon powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir everything together thoroughly.
  9. Bring to Boil: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cook for 5 more minutes to combine flavors.
  10. Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter into the stew and stir constantly until it dissolves completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  11. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat and let the stew cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  12. Serve: Serve the rich peanut stew hot alongside cauliflower rice or your preferred side, and enjoy this traditional Senegalese delight.

Notes

  • For a thicker stew, extend the simmering time in the last step while stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute beef stock with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
  • Serve with traditional white rice if cauliflower rice is not available.