Beef Mafé (West African Peanut Stew)

 

Ah, Beef Mafé! That’s a wealthy and comforting West African stew made with red meat, greens, and a creamy peanut (groundnut) sauce. Here’s a clear and attractive manner to make it:

Ingredients (Serves four-6)

 

Beef: 1–1.5 lb (450–680 g) stew red meat, cut into chew-sized cubes

Oil: 2–three tbsp (peanut or vegetable oil)

Onion: 1 massive, chopped

Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

Ginger: 1 tbsp, grated

Tomatoes: 2 large, chopped (or 1 cup canned overwhelmed tomatoes)

Tomato paste: 2 tbsp

Carrots: 2, reduce into chunks

Sweet potato or yam: 1 medium, reduce into chunks

Bell pepper: 1, chopped (optionally available)

Peanut butter: ½ cup (natural, unsweetened preferred)

Beef or vegetable broth: 2–three cups

Cayenne or chili powder: ¼ tsp (non-compulsory, adjust to flavor)

Paprika: 1 tsp

Salt & pepper: to taste

Lime juice: 1–2 tsp (non-obligatory, for brightness)

Peanuts (roasted, chopped): for garnish

Fresh cilantro or parsley: for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the pork:

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-excessive warmth. Add pork cubes, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all facets. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook aromatics:

In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger; cook dinner for 1–2 mins till aromatic.

3. Add tomato flavors:

Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 mins until barely thickened.

4. Simmer the stew:

Return beef to the pot. Add carrots, candy potatoes, and bell peppers. Pour in broth simply sufficient to cowl the elements. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook dinner 45–60 minutes until pork is smooth.

 5. Add peanut butter:

Lower warmth and stir in peanut butter. Mix properly until creamy. Simmer for every other 10–15 minutes. If too thick, add a chunk more broth or water.

6. Season & end:

Taste and alter seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Add lime juice if the use of.

7. Serve:

Garnish with chopped peanuts and sparkling cilantro or parsley. Traditionally served over steamed rice, couscous, or fufu.

💡 Tips:

For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of tomato paste caramelized inside the beginning.

Mafé tastes even higher the next day—flavors meld superbly.

You also can make a vegetarian version with chickpeas or sweet potatoes most effective.