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Maafe – West African Comfort

Experience the heartwarming comfort of West African cuisine with our West African Comfort—Maafe. Also known as groundnut stew, Maafe is a savory and nutty delight that combines the richness of peanuts with a medley of vegetables and meats. This dish is a celebration of communal meals and the wholesome flavors that define the culinary tapestry of West Africa.
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The Story

Maafe is a traditional stew that hails from West Africa, particularly countries like Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. The star ingredient of this dish is peanuts, which lend their creamy and nutty flavor to the stew. Maafe typically includes a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and an assortment of vegetables. The result is a hearty and flavorful stew that exemplifies the warmth and hospitality of West African cooking.

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup okra, sliced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 eggplant, diced
1 pound chicken, beef, or lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooked rice or couscous for serving
6 Servings

Prep Time:

0 Hrs 20 Mins

Cook Time:

1 Hrs 0 Mins

Total TIme:

0 Hrs 0 Mins

Directions

Step

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter and a cup of hot water to create a smooth peanut paste. Set aside.

Step

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step

Add chopped onions to the hot oil and sauté until they become translucent.

Step

Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step

Add ground cayenne pepper, ground paprika, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pot. Mix well to create a flavorful base.

Step

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step

Add sliced okra, diced sweet potato, diced eggplant, and the choice of meat to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step

Bring the Maafe to a simmer, cover, and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the peanut paste to thicken the stew. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step

Serve the West African Comfort Maafe hot over cooked rice or couscous.

Tips for this recipe

Customize Maafe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of meat. Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the quantity of cayenne pepper. Serve Maafe with a side of crusty bread for a delightful West African dining experience.

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