Name: West African Peanut Stew (Mafe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: – 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; – 1 large onion, diced; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; – 2 teaspoons ground cumin; – 1 teaspoon ground coriander; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste); – 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; – 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped; – 2 cups chicken broth; – 1 cup creamy peanut butter; – 1 tablespoon tomato paste; – 1 bay leaf; – Salt and black pepper to taste; – Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Description

West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) is a comforting and deeply flavorful dish that combines a creamy peanut sauce with tender meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This easy, 30-minute version captures the authentic taste of this beloved West African comfort food.

Ingredients

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 large onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

– 2 teaspoons ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)

– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

– 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 1 bay leaf

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.

3. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, peanuts, chicken broth, peanut butter, and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pot. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Serve the West African Peanut Stew (Mafe) hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy with steamed rice, plantains, or your favorite sides.

Notes

This stew can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. The flavors will continue to develop over time. For a thicker consistency, add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter. For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: West African