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Maafe (Meat Peanut Stew)

Maafe (Meat Peanut Stew) is a traditional Malian recipe for a classic stew of meat and mixed vegetables in a peanut butter base. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Malian version of: Meat Peanut Stew Yassa (Maafe).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

180 minutes

Total Time:

200

Serves:

4

Rating:

Tags : Spice RecipesBeef RecipesVegetable RecipesMali Recipes

Maafe is a classic peanut butter based sauce that is prepared in both Senegal and Mali. This is the Malian version. Meat is expensive in Mali, so this version of maafe (as opposed to vegetable-only mafè tatou nènn (naked mafè)). This recipe would most likely be served during celebratory occasions such as weddings, family gatherings or religious festivals. The characteristic feature of this stew is the use of peanut paste (substitute peanut butter), which is also used in Tiga Diga Na.

Ingredients:

600g goat, camel, beef meat, cubed
2 Onions, finely chopped
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 Carrots, scraped and cubed
2 tomatoes, diced
4 tbsp Peanut paste (or peanut butter)
4 Garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp smoked paprika powder
2 green chillies, minced
sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
olive oil
4 tbsp Zaatar spice blend

Method:

Place a meat in a large pan, cover with cold water then place over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer then cover and cook until the meat is tender (about 2-3 hours, depending on the meat). Note that cheaper, tougher but more flavourful meat cuts tend to be used.

Once the meat has cooked remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Also take the pan off the heat and set the stock aside.

Place another pan over medium heat, add a generous slug of oil and use to fry the onion, sweet potato and carrots for about 8 minutes, or until nicely coloured. Now stir in the tomato and the peanut paste. Deglaze the pan with a little of the reserved meat stock.

Bring to a simmer and continue cooking the vegetables, adding the meat broth every now and then so that the stew doesn't get too dry. Cook for about 10 minutes then add the garlic along with the spices. Return the meat cubes to the pan and season once more. Cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to melt. Turn into a warmed dish, sprinkle over the zaatar spice blend and serve with rice, couscous or steamed teff.