Mafé

Mafé Recipe - Authentic Congolese Peanut Butter Stew

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mafé, also known as groundnut stew, is a traditional West African dish that is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. This dish is typically made with a base of peanut butter, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of meats or vegetables. It is a popular dish in countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Guinea, where it is often served with rice or couscous.

History

Mafé has its origins in the Mandinka and Bambara people of Mali, who have been making this dish for centuries. It is believed to have been brought to West Africa by the Fulani people, who are known for their nomadic lifestyle and cattle herding. Over time, the recipe has evolved and been adapted by different cultures in the region, resulting in variations of the dish across different countries.

Ingredients

2 – 3 tbsp cooking oil, for sautéing meat and onions
1 – 2 lb (907 g) lamb or mutton
1 – 2 onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 can of tomato sauce
2 – 4 tomatoes, peeled if desired, cut into sections
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 hot chili pepper, or ground red pepper to taste (optional)
One or more chopped vegetables: cabbage, carrot, sweet cassava tuber, eggplant (aubergine), potato, squash, sweet potato, turnip
1 maggi® cube (optional)
1 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
1 – 2 cups beef broth or stock

How to prepare

Remove the shells from the peanuts, then roast them on a baking sheet in a hot oven or in a large skillet on the stove. Stir them often and remove the skins.
Crush the peanuts using a potato masher.
Heat oil in a large cooking pot.
Sauté the meat and onions over high heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.
Add all the remaining ingredients except for the peanut butter and water.
Simmer until all the ingredients are tender, approximately thirty minutes.
Add water if the mixture becomes completely dry. Reduce the heat.
Stir in the peanut butter.
Add beef broth as needed to make a smooth sauce and water to make a thick soup.

Variations

Substitute mutton with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Experiment with different spices and herbs such as cumin, coriander, or thyme to customize the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the dish, roast the peanuts before crushing them. This will give the mafé a nuttier and richer taste.

- Use a combination of meats such as mutton and turnip for a more complex flavor profile.

- Adjust the amount of hot ground red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to stir in the peanut butter slowly to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve mafé hot over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous. Garnish with chopped cilantro or peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the peanuts before crushing them for a nuttier flavor.

- Simmer the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute mutton with lamb or goat for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mafé can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mafé in a large serving bowl with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh herbs on top. Pair with a side of fluffy rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair mafé with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread or flatbread for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover mafé in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 25g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Mafé is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Mafé is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal option.

Summary

Mafé is a delicious and hearty West African dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich peanut butter sauce and tender mutton, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it with rice or couscous for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Mafé. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Aminata in her tiny village in Senegal. Aminata was a wonderful cook, and she had invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared a traditional Senegalese meal for her family.

As we chopped vegetables and stirred pots of bubbling stew, Aminata shared stories of her childhood and the recipes that had been passed down through generations in her family. One dish in particular caught my attention - Mafé, a rich and flavorful peanut stew that was a staple in Senegalese cuisine.

Aminata explained that Mafé was a dish commonly served at celebrations and gatherings, and that each family had their own unique twist on the recipe. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and as we cooked together, I watched and learned, taking mental notes on each ingredient and technique.

The key to a delicious Mafé, Aminata explained, was in the slow simmering of the stew, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. She showed me how to brown the meat before adding it to the pot, creating a rich base of flavor that would infuse the entire dish.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the warm, nutty aroma of peanuts and spices, Aminata shared more stories with me. She told me about her grandmother, who had taught her how to cook when she was just a young girl, and about the special memories they had shared in the kitchen.

I felt a deep sense of connection to Aminata as we cooked together, our hands moving in sync as we stirred and seasoned the stew. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special in this recipe for Mafé, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from Aminata and carry on the tradition in my own kitchen.

After several hours of simmering, the Mafé was finally ready. Aminata ladled generous servings of the stew into bowls, topping each one with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the rich, savory stew and savored the complex blend of flavors.

The Mafé was perfect - tender chunks of meat, creamy peanut sauce, and a subtle heat from the spices. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as I enjoyed the dish, knowing that I had learned something truly special from my dear friend Aminata.

Since that day in Senegal, I have made Mafé many times in my own kitchen, always thinking of Aminata and the special bond we shared over a pot of stew. Each time I cook this dish, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our roots, our traditions, and each other. And I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, passed down to me by a dear friend in a faraway land.