West African Maafe (Peanut Stew) Recipe

Recipe Courtesy of Travel Food Atlas

Across West Africa, peanut stew is more than a hearty meal—it is a culinary expression of history, community, and adaptation. Known by names such as maafe, this rich stew brings together ground peanuts, tomatoes, spices, vegetables, and meat or fish in a deeply savory sauce. Peanuts, introduced to Africa from the Americas centuries ago, became an important crop and transformed regional cooking. From Senegal and Mali to Ghana and beyond, variations reflect local ingredients and traditions. Often prepared for families and shared around communal tables, peanut stew embodies the resourcefulness of West African cuisine, turning simple ingredients into a nourishing dish with remarkable depth and cultural significance.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 ½ lb

• Peanut butter - 1 cup

• Peanut paste - 2 tbsp

• Tomatoes - 4

• Carrots - 4

• Sweet potatoes - 2

• Potatoes - 4

• Minced onion - 2

• Peanut oil - 3 tbsp

• Tomato paste - 2 tbsp

• Broth - 2 cups

• Salt and pepper - to taste

• Chilli pepper (optional) - 1

Method

1. In a large pan, sauté the meat and onions in the peanut oil.

2. When the onions start to turn golden brown but have not caramelized, reduce the heat and cook covered for a few more minutes.

3. Add all other ingredients except the peanut paste, peanut butter and broth.

4. Cover again and simmer for another 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender, mixing a couple of times. Broth can be added if the mixture starts to dry out to quickly.

5. Reduce the heat then add the peanut butter and peanut paste.

6. Stir well to spread the peanuts throughout the mixture.

7. Add the broth and stir into a creamy sauce.

8. Simmer for a few minutes. Serve with rice.