Name: Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 2 lbs stew beef; 1 red bell pepper; 1 onion; ½ cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for browning the beef; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 cup water; 2 cups stock/broth

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

If you are craving a dish that captures the heart and soul of West African cuisine, the Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe is exactly what you need to try. This rich, creamy, and delightfully spicy peanut stew blends tender chunks of beef with a luscious tomato and peanut sauce that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that instantly warms you up and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, making it a favorite to come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass rectangular container filled with many small cubes of raw red meat with white fatty lines. To the top right, there is a white bowl filled with smooth light brown peanut butter. On the top left, there is a red bell pepper laying on the white marbled surface. Just below the red pepper, a white measuring cup holds yellow olive oil. On the right side, a whole white onion sits on the white marbled surface. At the bottom right corner, a small clear bowl holds thick red tomato sauce. The setting is bright and clean, with all items placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe is simple and straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the stew’s bold taste and satisfying texture. From the creamy peanut butter to the fresh red bell pepper, each element adds its own magic touch.

2 lbs stew beef: Choose a cut with some marbling for tenderness and flavor.
½ cup peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives the stew its signature creamy nuttiness.
1 red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of red color.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with deep, rich tomato flavor.
1 onion: Brings essential savory sweetness to the stew’s foundation.
1 tablespoon beef bouillon powder: Enhances the meaty depth of the broth.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering.
¼ cup olive oil: For sautéing and creating a luscious base.
1 teaspoon salt to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite and complexity.
1 cup water: Helps in building the stew’s perfect consistency.
2 cups stock or broth: Builds the savory body of the stew and enhances richness.
Pinch of salt to brown the beef: Helps achieve that perfect caramelized crust on the meat.

How to Make Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef

Start by washing your stew beef and cutting it into smaller, manageable chunks. This step is key because smaller pieces cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the beef along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté this for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is beautifully browned on all sides—this browning unlocks a depth of flavor you simply can’t skip.

Step 2: Saute the Vegetables

While the beef is browning, chop your onions and red bell pepper finely. Once the beef is ready, toss the onion and bell pepper into the pan. Sauté them together for about 3 minutes to soften and release their sweet aromas, creating a fragrant base for your Mafe.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste

Next, stir in the tomato paste and cook everything together for around 5 minutes. This allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and deepen the overall flavor of the stew, adding a rich color and tangy undertone that complements the peanut butter perfectly.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Add the water, stock or broth, beef bouillon powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pot. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about five minutes—this is when the flavors start melding together beautifully while the liquid warms through.

Step 5: Stir in the Peanut Butter and Thicken

The moment you’ve been waiting for: adding the peanut butter. Stir it into the stew until it’s completely dissolved, turning the sauce thick, creamy, and nutty. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes to thicken to the perfect consistency—a luscious, velvety texture that coats the tender beef in every bite.

How to Serve Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich, brown stew containing chunky pieces of meat covered in thick sauce. The stew has a smooth yet textured look, and it is topped with small, fresh green herb leaves. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl of plain rice in the upper left area. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the sauce and the fresh green of the herbs, making the dish look warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Mafe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a refreshing lift. Some toasted peanuts or a few thinly sliced green chilies add extra texture and visual appeal, making every serving look as enticing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This stew shines when paired with simple, neutral sides like fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. For a more robust meal, serve alongside steamed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to contrast the stew’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not get creative for your next dinner party? Serve the Mafe in individual bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat. You can also try stuffing it into warm pita pockets or wrapping it in plantain leaves for an authentic touch that will spark plenty of compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Mafe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, flavorful meal ready to enjoy with minimal effort.

Freezing

Mafe freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to portion it out before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and your stew will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for those busy nights when you crave something special.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. The flavors will come back to life, and the texture will stay wonderfully creamy.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for Mafe?

Stew beef with good marbling works best because it becomes tender and infuses your stew with rich flavor. Chuck roast or similar cuts are excellent choices.

Can I make Mafe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, eggplant, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to keep it plant-based.

Is this dish very spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds a pleasant warmth but isn’t overwhelming. You can always adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less cayenne.

What peanut butter is best to use?

Natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils works best to keep the stew authentic and rich with that classic nutty flavor.

Can I prepare Mafe ahead of time?

Yes, Mafe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Prepare it ahead and reheat gently before serving for a meal that feels like it was cooked with extra love.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Mafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew) Recipe—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, full of bold flavors and creamy textures that never fail to please. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth, satisfaction, and a taste of West Africa into your home. Try it soon; you’ll be so glad you did!