African > West African > Stew

Mafé (Groundnut and Vegetable Stew) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup okra, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife

Step-by-step instructions:

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

2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir in the tomato paste and peanut butter until well combined.

4. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Add the sweet potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and okra to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve the Mafé hot over cooked rice.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning chicken
- Low heat for simmering stew
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef, lamb, or tofu.
- Sweet potatoes can be substituted with regular potatoes or yams.
- Okra can be substituted with green beans or peas.

Variations:
- Add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers.
- Use different vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or cabbage.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the peanut butter and tomato paste mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.
- For a creamier texture, blend some of the stew in a blender or food processor before serving.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover Mafé in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Mafé in a large bowl or individual bowls.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or naan.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.
- A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thin, let it simmer for a longer period of time to thicken the sauce.
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Mafé is a traditional West African dish that originated in Mali.

Flavor profiles:
- Rich and creamy with a nutty flavor from the peanut butter.
- Savory and slightly sweet from the vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Mafé with a side of cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

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Region: West African

Taste: Savory, Nutty, Spicy, Tangy, Aromatic