Mafé I

Mafé I Recipe - Traditional Senegalese Peanut Butter Stew

Region / culture: Senegal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mafé I is a traditional West African dish that is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. This dish features tender chunks of beef stewed in a savory peanut butter sauce, creating a unique and delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Mafé I has its origins in the Mandinka and Bambara people of West Africa, particularly in countries like Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. This dish has been enjoyed for generations and is a staple in many West African households. The combination of meat, tomatoes, and peanut butter creates a rich and comforting dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of oil
1 minced onion
3 – 4 minced cloves of garlic
1 tbsp of minced ginger (optional)
1 lb (454 g) of beef, chopped into chunks for stewing
2 tbsp of tomato paste
2 cups of peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
1 – 2 cups of water or stock
1 cup of natural unsalted peanut butter

How to prepare

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 – 2 more minutes.
Add the beef and sauté until lightly browned.
Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 – 15 minutes to reduce the tomatoes somewhat.
Add enough water or stock to loosen the dish up and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Stir in the peanut butter and simmer for another 20 minutes or until oil rises to the surface of the dish.
Adjust seasoning and serve with rice or couscous.

Variations

Substitute beef with chicken or lamb for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for added texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Adjust the amount of peanut butter to suit your taste preferences – more peanut butter will result in a richer and creamier sauce.

- Serve Mafé I with rice or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mafé I with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the dish slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

Make Ahead Tips

Mafé I can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Mafé I with a side of fluffy white rice or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

400 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

25g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Mafé I is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

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

Summary

Mafé I is a delicious and comforting West African dish that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. With its rich and savory peanut butter sauce, tender chunks of beef, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it with rice or couscous for a satisfying and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Senegal. I had always loved to cook, and I spent hours in the kitchen with my mother, learning the traditional recipes that had been passed down through generations.

One day, a traveler came through our village and stayed with us for a few days. He was from Mali, and he brought with him a recipe for a dish called Mafé. He said it was a traditional dish from his country, made with peanut butter, tomatoes, and tender chunks of meat. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was eager to learn how to make it.

The traveler showed me how to prepare the Mafé, guiding me through each step of the process. We started by browning the meat in a large pot, then adding onions, garlic, and tomatoes to create a rich, flavorful base. Next, we stirred in a generous amount of peanut butter, which gave the dish a creamy, nutty taste. Finally, we let the Mafé simmer on the stove for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a delicious, hearty stew.

As I tasted the finished dish, I was amazed by how delicious it was. The combination of savory meat, tangy tomatoes, and creamy peanut butter was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself, so I asked the traveler to teach me the recipe.

Over the next few days, I practiced making Mafé over and over again, tweaking the recipe until it was just right. I added extra spices and vegetables to give it more depth of flavor, and I experimented with different cuts of meat to find the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.

After many trials and errors, I finally perfected my own version of Mafé. I was so proud of my creation, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. They all raved about how delicious it was, and soon, Mafé became a staple in our household.

As the years went by, I continued to make Mafé for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a beloved tradition in our family, and I passed the recipe down to my daughters and granddaughters, ensuring that it would be preserved for generations to come.

To this day, whenever I make Mafé, I think back to that fateful day when the traveler came through our village and introduced me to this amazing dish. I am grateful for his generosity in sharing his recipe with me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Mafé in my own kitchen. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of where I come from and the rich culinary heritage that has shaped me into the cook that I am today.