Maafe

Maafe is a creamy West African peanut-tomato stew, rich in flavor and perfect with rice or couscous.  

A hearty, peanut-based tomato stew from West Africa, simmered with tender meat and vegetables.  

🥘 Ingredients 

- Peanut butter (unsweetened, natural): 250 g / 1 cup  
- Tomato paste: 120 g / ½ cup  
- Fresh tomatoes (blended): 400 g / 4 medium  
- Onion (chopped): 150 g / 1 large  
- Garlic cloves (minced): 3 cloves  
- Ginger (grated): 20 g / 1 tbsp  
- Beef or lamb (cubed): 500 g / 1 lb  
- Carrots (sliced): 200 g / 2 medium  
- Sweet potatoes (cubed): 300 g / 2 medium  
- Vegetable or chicken stock: 1 liter / 4 cups  
- Scotch bonnet or chili pepper: 1–2 (adjust to taste)  
- Vegetable oil: 30 ml / 2 tbsp  
- Salt: to taste  
- Seasoning cubes: 2  

👩🏽‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare base: Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.  
2. Add tomato paste & tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste and blended tomatoes, cook for 5–7 minutes until reduced.  
3. Brown meat: Add cubed beef or lamb, cook until lightly browned.  
4. Add peanut butter: Stir in peanut butter, mixing well to create a creamy base.  
5. Add stock: Pour in vegetable or chicken stock, stir thoroughly, and bring to a simmer.  
6. Add vegetables: Add carrots, sweet potatoes, and chili pepper. Simmer for 30–40 minutes until meat and vegetables are tender.  
7. Season: Add salt and seasoning cubes, adjust to taste.  
8. Serve hot: Pair with rice, couscous, or flatbread.  

📊 Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Approximate values, based on 6 servings)  

- Calories: 480 kcal  
- Protein: 28 g  
- Fat: 26 g  
- Carbohydrates: 32 g  
- Fiber: 6 g  
- Sodium: 520 mg  

💡 Helpful Cooking Tips

- Use unsweetened natural peanut butter for authentic flavor—avoid sweetened or processed varieties.  
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with chickpeas or lentils.  
- Slow simmering enhances the depth of flavor; don’t rush the cooking process.  
- Scotch bonnet adds heat—adjust or substitute with milder peppers if preferred.  
- Serve with couscous for a traditional pairing, or rice for a more familiar option.