Authentic Senegalese Maffé Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of beef, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 cup of peanut butter
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 small cabbage, cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the beef chunks to the pot and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, then cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Add the peanut butter to the pot and stir until it is well combined with the tomato mixture.
  6. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  7. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
  8. Return the beef to the pot, then cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables and beef are tender.
  9. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - For cooking the maffé.
  • Vegetable oil - Used for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Spatula - To stir the ingredients in the pot.
  • Knife - To chop the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the tomato paste, salt, and black pepper.
  • Can opener - For opening the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Whisk - To mix the peanut butter with the tomato mixture.
  • Cutting board - To chop the vegetables and parsley.
  • Tongs - To handle the beef chunks when browning and returning them to the pot.
  • Cover - To cover the pot while simmering the maffé.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the beef with chicken or lamb for a different protein option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, green beans, or okra for more variety.
  • Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper used.
  • Try using almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
  • Include additional spices such as curry powder, paprika, or cumin to enhance the taste.
  • Serve the maffé over rice, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts or cilantro instead of parsley for added texture and freshness.

Recipe overview

Maffé is a hearty, flavorful West African stew, made with tender chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and a delicious sauce based on peanut butter and tomatoes. Also known as peanut butter stew, this dish is a comfort food staple across many parts of Africa, with each region adding its unique twist. In this recipe, we've included traditional ingredients like Scotch bonnet pepper for heat and a mix of root vegetables for hearty substance. The cooking process is relatively simple, requiring you to sauté, simmer, and stir your way to a mouthwatering meal. The end result is a dish with a beautifully rich, nutty flavor, balanced with the freshness of the garnishing parsley. Serve your Maffé on its own or accompany it with steamed rice for a filling meal. Enjoy the process and savor the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?
    Yes, you can use chicken, lamb, or even tofu as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
  2. Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
    Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavors.
  3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
    While creamy peanut butter is traditionally used in Maffé, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the sauce.
  4. How spicy is this dish?
    The spiciness of Maffé can vary depending on the type of Scotch bonnet pepper you use. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the pepper.
  5. Can I make Maffé ahead of time?
    Yes, Maffé tastes even better when the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
  6. What can I serve with Maffé?
    Maffé is traditionally served with steamed rice, couscous, or fonio (a West African grain). It also pairs well with bread or plantains.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and accommodate stirring.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef, onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for safely chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon - Useful for stirring and combining ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the peanut butter and beef broth.
  • Can Opener - Needed to open the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Peeler - To peel the carrots and potatoes.
  • Serving Spoon - For serving the Maffé into individual bowls or plates.
  • Garnish Tray - A decorative tray or plate for holding the chopped parsley used for garnish.
  • Soup Bowls or Plates - The dishware needed to serve the Maffé.

Origin stories

Maffé, also known as 'peanut soup', finds its roots in the hearty kitchens of West Africa, particularly in Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. This delightful dish, brimming with succulent meat and vibrant vegetables bathed in a rich peanut sauce, tells the tale of the region's humble agriculture. The centerpiece, peanuts, speaks of the crop's significance in West Africa, introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Over time, peanuts became woven into the culinary fabric of the region, leading to iconic dishes like Maffé. The recipe varies from family to family, each adding its personal touch, reflecting the diversity and unity of West Africa. A single bite is like a warm invitation into a rich cultural heritage, a delicious narrative of history and tradition, and the enduring spirit of West African communities.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.