Mafé (Maafe) – Authentic Senegalese Peanut Stew
Mafé, also known as Maafe, is a rich Senegalese peanut stew made with tender beef, creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, and warm spices simmered together in one pot.
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup natural peanut butter, unsweetened
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups beef or chicken stock
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the beef, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until browned, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add tomato paste and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often to deepen flavor.
- Pour in water, stock, bouillon powder, cayenne pepper, and remaining salt. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in peanut butter until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Continue simmering for 2–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until stew thickens and meat is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for authentic flavor. Stir frequently after adding peanut butter to prevent sticking. This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.