Senegalese Mafe Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup peanut oil
• 1 large Spanish onion, diced
• 2 plum tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and white pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into large dice
• 4 turnips, peeled and chopped into large dice
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

Heat the peanut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and saut until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt and white pepper. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

While the chicken simmers, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together the tomato paste and natural peanut butter in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add a ladleful of hot broth from the pot to the peanut mixture, stirring well to prevent clumping.

Once the chicken is cooked, add the sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, and cabbage to the pot. Stir in the peanut sauce mixture and simmer for another 2025 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened. Add more chicken stock if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Season with cayenne pepper and adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts. Serve hot with rice, fonio, or crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead. Add other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Consider using smoked paprika or fresh ginger for deeper, more complex flavors. A dash of fish sauce adds authentic depth. For a creamier texture, stir in additional peanut butter at the end of cooking.

This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Senegalese Mafe pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed white rice
• Fonio or millet
• Couscous
• Crusty bread
• Grilled plantains

Conclusion

Senegalese Mafe showcases the rich culinary traditions of West Africa. With its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this beloved dish delivers comfort and satisfactionperfect for impressing family and friends alike.