Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to West Africa with our delectable Chicken Mafe recipes. Originating from the vibrant country of Mali, this traditional dish embodies the essence of bold flavors and aromatic spices. Chicken Mafe is a hearty stew characterized by its rich peanut sauce, succulent chicken, and an array of vegetables. Savor the magic of our three unique variations: the classic Chicken Mafe, a simplified version for everyday cooking, and a tantalizing vegan alternative. Each recipe promises an explosion of flavors and textures, catering to diverse dietary preferences and culinary expertise. Embark on this gastronomic adventure and discover the beauty of West African cuisine.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STEW IN PEANUT BUTTER TOMATO SAUCE: MAFE
Steps:
- In a large pot, heat oil until hot and brown chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken temporarily.
- In the same frying pan, add the onions and stir until soft and slightly brown. Add the tomato paste and salt, and stir well.
- Add all the prepared vegetables and fish sauce to the pot. Return the chicken to the pot and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, stir, and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Check the vegetables to avoid overcooking, removing them in a bowl as they are done.
- When all the vegetables are cooked and removed from the stew, add the peanut butter or "tigadege", 1 tablespoon at a time to make sure it is well dissolved in the broth. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper, if using and simmer until broth thickens, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Return all the vegetables to the pot and simmer 5 minutes more. Serve over white rice.
CHICKEN MAFE
This West African favorite, adapted from Rama Dione and Papa Diagne, balances the richness of peanut butter with tomato and aromatics, cooked down to a thick gravy. The addition of Southeast Asian fish sauce gives the dish depth and is somewhat traditional, given the Vietnamese influence, via the French, in Senegal. But absolutely traditional would be to eat this with guests, directly from a large platter, to demonstrate welcome and unity.
Provided by Francis Lam
Categories soups and stews, main course
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Finely mince 6 cloves garlic and the ginger with a pinch of salt, plenty of black pepper and crushed red-pepper flakes to taste. Season chicken all over with salt, and rub with the garlic mixture. Marinate for three hours or overnight, refrigerated.
- Finely chop the remaining 6 cloves of garlic. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the onion, chopped garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, until the onion is starting to become translucent. Stir in the fish sauce, then the tomato paste, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, until the paste and onions have combined and are a shade darker. Stir in 6 cups water, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the chicken, bring to a boil and turn heat down to a moderate simmer. In a mixing bowl, stir a cup of the cooking liquid into the peanut butter, a splash at a time, to loosen it. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the cabbage and carrots, and simmer 10 minutes. Peel and cut the sweet potato and waxy potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks, add them and simmer 30 minutes, until the vegetables and chicken are tender and the sauce is like a very thick gravy. (The oil will be separating in the sauce.) If the chicken and vegetables are tender but the sauce is still a little loose, remove them, and let the sauce cook down. Add the chile if using. Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and serve over white rice.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 848, UnsaturatedFat 33 grams, Carbohydrate 80 grams, Fat 45 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 38 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 1392 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and measured. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. This includes fresh chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken is a delicate meat, so it's important not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a Good Quality Peanut Butter: The type of peanut butter you use can make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Choose a natural peanut butter that is made with 100% peanuts and no added sugar or oils.
- Serve with Rice or Couscous: Chicken Mafe is traditionally served with rice or couscous. This helps to soak up the delicious sauce and adds a starchy element to the dish.
Conclusion:
Chicken Mafe is a delicious and flavorful African dish that is easy to make at home. With its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe to try, give Chicken Mafe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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