West African's Finest Mafe

Dive into the rich and comforting flavors of **West African’s Finest Mafé**, a beloved peanut stew bursting with hearty ingredients and bold spices. Tender chunks of beef (or lamb or chicken) are simmered in a velvety sauce made from natural peanut butter, tomatoes, and aromatic ginger and garlic, creating a perfect balance of savory and nutty flavors. Packed with wholesome vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, this vibrant dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. With just a hint of optional cayenne pepper for heat, this one-pot wonder is deeply satisfying and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it over fluffy white rice, traditional fonio, or fufu for an authentic taste of West African cuisine. Ready in under 90 minutes, this recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and cultural heritage!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat (or lamb/chicken)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then stir in the ginger and garlic. Cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Add the peanut butter and mix well until fully incorporated.

Step 7

Slowly pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth consistency. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 8

Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, allowing the beef to tenderize.

Step 9

Add the carrots, sweet potato, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle cayenne pepper to add heat to the stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley. Mafé pairs wonderfully with white rice, fonio, or fufu.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2884.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3290.1

Total Fat 241.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20.2g
Cholesterol 518.2mg	0%
Sodium 7026.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.8g	0%
Total Sugars 49.1g
Protein 187.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 489.9mg	0%
Iron 26.1mg	0%
Potassium 5799.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.4%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 14.8%