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
- Prepare the Beef: Wash the stew beef thoroughly and cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tenderness.
- Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into a pan and heat it over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- 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.
- Chop Vegetables: While the beef cooks, chop the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces.
- 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.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste with the beef and vegetables, blending it evenly into the mixture.
- Cook Tomato Paste: Allow the tomato paste to cook for about 5 minutes to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw taste.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter into the stew and stir constantly until it dissolves completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat and let the stew cook for an additional 2-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- 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.
