Mafé, also called Maafe or Groundnut Stew, is more than just a warm, hearty dish. It’s a nostalgic return to childhood dinners, family gatherings, and the comforting aroma that fills a home when peanut butter, tomatoes, and slow-simmered beef mingle in a bubbling pot. Originating from Senegal, this dish is a beloved staple across West Africa, and each family often has its own treasured version.

Traditionally served during communal meals, Mafé represents the spirit of togetherness. It’s the kind of stew that brings people to the table—friends, neighbors, and even strangers—drawn by the unmistakable, nutty aroma drifting from the kitchen. For many, it’s the kind of dish their grandmother made on weekends or on special days, always served with a generous scoop of white rice or couscous.

Peanut stew is not only iconic in Senegalese households but also carries symbolic value. Peanuts (or groundnuts) are a significant agricultural crop in Senegal and play a vital role in the country’s economy and cuisine. Mafé showcases the richness of Senegalese ingredients while telling a story of history, migration, and adaptation. Over the decades, this stew has traveled far beyond Senegal’s borders, evolving to include beef, lamb, or chicken, and occasionally vegetables like sweet potatoes or okra, while still preserving its earthy, comforting roots.

If you’re craving a meal that is simple to prepare yet layered with flavor and history, this Mafé recipe delivers in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Deeply comforting and flavorful – the creamy peanut base pairs beautifully with savory spices.
• Customizable – switch up the meat or add vegetables like carrots or eggplant.
• Quick and satisfying – a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite.
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make low-carb.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 lbs stew beef (cut into cubes)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups beef broth or stock

HOW TO MAKE MAFÉ (SENEGALESE PEANUT STEW):

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add your seasoned beef cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear them for about 8–10 minutes until the outside is browned and fragrant. This step builds a deep base flavor for the stew.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the mixture becomes aromatic. This combination forms the fragrant heart of the dish.
3. Add Tomato Paste
   Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook with the vegetables for 4–5 minutes. You’ll notice the paste darken slightly and meld with the onion and pepper, creating a concentrated flavor base.

1. Deglaze & Simmer
   Pour in the water and beef stock, then sprinkle in the bouillon powder and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This stage allows the spices to bloom and the flavors to develop.
2. Incorporate the Peanut Butter
   Add peanut butter and stir until it melts into the stew, thickening the sauce into a velvety texture. Let the stew continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce is rich and thick.
3. Taste & Serve
   Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over a bowl of steamed white rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use natural peanut butter without added sugar for an authentic and balanced taste.
• Make it spicy or mild by adjusting the cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables like carrots or eggplant for more texture and nutrition.
• Freeze leftovers – this stew freezes beautifully and actually tastes better the next day.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: West African
• Diet: Gluten-Free

NOTES:

This Mafé recipe stays true to its Senegalese roots while being accessible for home cooks everywhere. The combination of beef, creamy peanut sauce, and spices offers a bold yet comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per Serving)

• Calories: 443
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 812mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes! Lamb makes an excellent alternative in Mafé, offering a richer flavor that blends wonderfully with the peanut sauce.

Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Mafé keeps well in the fridge and its flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for leftovers.

Q: What can I serve it with besides rice?
Try it with couscous, fonio (an ancient West African grain), or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let the stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Gordon Ramsay’s Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
• Loaded Potato and Meatloaf Casserole
• Stuffed Potato Cakes with Meat and Mushrooms
• Ground Turkey with Potatoes: A Hearty Skillet Classic

CONCLUSION:

Mafé is not just a stew—it’s a bowl of history, comfort, and cultural pride. Each spoonful carries the richness of West African heritage and the warmth of home-cooked tradition. Whether you’re cooking for your family, trying something new, or revisiting a cherished memory, this Senegalese peanut stew brings joy to the table and soul-soothing satisfaction to your meal.

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