Maafe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy peanut sauce
• Comforting and hearty one-pot meal
• Packed with vegetables and flavor
• Naturally dairy-free
• Easy to customize with your favorite protein
• Great for meal prep
• Perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors
• A wonderful introduction to West African cuisine

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 pound chicken thighs, beef stew meat, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

For Serving

• Cooked white rice
• Chopped peanuts
• Fresh cilantro or parsley

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken, beef, or chosen protein and cook until lightly browned.
5. Stir in the carrots, sweet potato, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladle of warm broth until smooth.
9. Stir the peanut butter mixture into the stew.
10. Continue simmering for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
11. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for 3–5 minutes until wilted.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
13. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Maafe: Use chickpeas and vegetable broth instead of meat.
• Beef Maafe: Traditional and hearty, using beef stew meat.
• Chicken Maafe: A popular version featuring tender chicken thighs.
• Spicy Maafe: Add extra cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers.
• Extra Vegetable Version: Include bell peppers, eggplant, or okra.
• Coconut Maafe: Add a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store cooled Maafe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.

FAQs

What is Maafe?

Maafe is a traditional West African peanut stew made with vegetables, protein, and a rich peanut-based sauce.

Is Maafe spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on the amount of chili or cayenne used.

What protein is traditionally used?

Many versions use beef, lamb, or chicken, though vegetarian versions with chickpeas are also common.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but smooth peanut butter creates a more traditional, silky sauce.

What should I serve with Maafe?

Steamed rice is the most traditional accompaniment, though couscous or millet also work well.

Can I make Maafe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Chickpeas or other legumes make excellent substitutes for meat.

Why do I mix peanut butter with broth first?

This helps it blend smoothly into the stew and prevents clumping.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and okra are all delicious additions.

Is Maafe freezer-friendly?

Yes. It freezes very well and often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop.

How thick should Maafe be?

It should be thick and stew-like, coating a spoon while still remaining easy to serve over rice.

Conclusion

Maafe is a deeply comforting and flavorful West African peanut stew that combines tender vegetables, rich peanut sauce, and hearty ingredients into a satisfying meal. Whether made with chicken, beef, or chickpeas, this nourishing dish offers bold flavors and wonderful texture in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or exploring global cuisine, Maafe is a recipe that brings warmth and tradition to the table.

Maafe

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Maafe, also known as West African Peanut Stew, is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender vegetables and a creamy peanut-based sauce simmered with savory seasonings. Traditionally served over rice, it is a hearty and satisfying meal full of bold flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: West African
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 pound chicken thighs, beef stew meat, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken, beef, or chickpeas and cook until lightly browned.
5. Stir in the carrots, sweet potato, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper.
6. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladle of warm broth until smooth.
9. Stir the peanut butter mixture into the stew.
10. Continue simmering for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened.
11. Stir in the kale or spinach and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until wilted.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
13. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use chickpeas and vegetable broth.
• Smooth peanut butter creates the most traditional texture, but crunchy peanut butter may also be used.
• Add bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, or okra for extra vegetables.
• For added richness, stir in a splash of coconut milk near the end of cooking.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooled stew for up to 3 months and reheat with additional broth if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg