Best 2 Vegetarian Mafe African Stew Recipes

Mafe is an iconic and flavorful West African peanut stew. Originating from the Bambara people in Mali and Guinea, it has become a beloved dish across the region and beyond. This vegetarian version of mafe is a delicious and hearty stew made with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce, tender vegetables, and fragrant spices. It's a perfect dish for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The recipe includes instructions for making the stew in a traditional pot on the stovetop or using a slow cooker. Additionally, it provides an option for making your own peanut butter from scratch, giving you complete control over the flavor and texture of your stew.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MAFE (PEANUT BUTTER STEW)

Mafe (Peanut Butter Stew) image

Mafe is a Senegalese classic. It is also an entrant into the peanut stew sweepstakes that could be held for dishes from all over the continent. Here the meat of choice is lamb, but mafe could also be prepared from beef or chicken. Traditionally the stew is served with white rice.

Provided by Food Network

Categories main-dish

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 large onion, minced
2 pounds lamb stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups cold water
1/3 cup tomato paste
2 cups hot water
4 large carrots, scraped and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan, add the onion, and cook over medium heat until it is translucent. Add the meat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly browned on all sides.
In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter with the cold water and pour it over the meat. Dilute the tomato paste with the hot water, pour the liquid over the stew, and stir well to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. Add the remaining ingredients, lower the heat, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Serve hot over white rice.

VEGETARIAN MAFE (AFRICAN STEW)

Vegetarian Mafe (African Stew) image

Make and share this Vegetarian Mafe (African Stew) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Outta Here

Categories Stew

Time 1h20m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 tablespoons peanut oil (or Canola)
2 large onions, peeled and chopped
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
4 small turnips, peeled and chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 head cabbage, chopped
2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 bunch swiss chard, chopped
2 small jalapenos, seeded and chopped
2 cups tomato sauce
water, as needed
3/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

Steps:

Heat oil in Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add the onions and cook until beginning to brown.
Add vegetables one at a time, sauteing each one for a minute or two before adding the next.
Stir in tomato sauce and about one cup of water (depending on thickness of stew you desire). Reduce heat & simmer until all the vegetables are tender (15-30 minutes).
Spoon out half a cup of the broth & mix it with the peanut butter to make a smooth paste. Return to the pot & simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve over cooked, hot rice (optional).

Tips:

Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, prep all your ingredients and have them ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
Use a Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A Dutch oven or large pot with a lid is ideal for making mafe. It allows for even cooking and helps the flavors meld together.
Don't Skimp on the Vegetables: Vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the stew. Make sure to use a variety of vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and okra.
Use a Good Quality Peanut Butter: The peanut butter is a key ingredient in mafe, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a natural peanut butter that is unsweetened and has no added oils or sugars.
Simmer the Stew Low and Slow: Mafe is a slow-cooked stew, so give it plenty of time to simmer. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be.
Serve with Rice or Couscous: Mafe is traditionally served with rice or couscous. However, you can also serve it with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Mafe is a delicious and hearty African stew that is packed with flavor. It is a perfect dish for a cold winter day or a special occasion. With its unique blend of spices, vegetables, and peanut butter, mafe is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give mafe a try. You won't be disappointed.