West African Peanut Stew– a hearty African stew that is sure to satisfy your taste-buds and those of your loved ones. The tender beef is simmered in a super flavorful and creamy sauce made of tomatoes and peanut butter, and is definitely a good alternative to your regular stew.
West African Peanut Stew Is Nothing Like Your Ordinary Stew
This classic African peanut stew is loved all over the world and is the ultimate comfort food for those cold days. Try it once and it will make a regular appearance at your dinner table.
What is West African Peanut Stew?
It is a stew made of any protein (mostly beef or chicken) simmered in a creamy tomato and peanut butter sauce. West African Peanut Stew is also known as Maafe or groundnut stew or sauce d’arachide or domoda.
The Origin of West African Peanut Stew
This recipe originates from Mali in West Africa and it is also a staple in countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory coast just to mention but a few.
West African Peanut Stew is Healthy For You
When consumed in moderation, peanuts can be a great addition to your diet.
On that note, this stew is high in valuable nutrients like potassium as well as protein which lower the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease.
It also contains fibre for bowel health, healthy fats, magnesium for bone and muscle health, Vitamin E and antioxidants.
What Goes in West African Peanut Stew?
- Beef (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 4 small potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning cubes
- black pepper
- Olive oil
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic-ginger paste
- Ripe tomatoes (thinly sliced)
- Peanut butter (smooth)
- Water
Making West African Peanut Stew
FIRST: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef till nicely browned and drain into a plate. Set aside.
SECOND: In the same pot, add onion and saute until lightly browned; about 3 minutes. Add the garlic-ginger paste and stir until fragrant; about 1 minute.
THIRD: After that, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, seasoning cubes, and cook, occasionally stirring till well cooked, about 6 minutes.
FOURTH: Add seared meat, potatoes, and water and simmer till the meat and potatoes are tender. The duration will depend on how long the beef need to get tender. If the cut of meat you are using needs longer to soften, add the potatoes 10 minutes after the meat has been added. This way, you ensure that the potatoes don’t get overcooked.
FIFTH: Add Peanut butter and stir till well dissolved. Cover the pot and simmer for 5 more minutes.
How to Serve West African Peanut Stew
This Creamy African peanut stew goes really well with a bowl of rice.
Storing African Peanut Stew
- Once totally cooled, transfer the African peanut stew in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make a large batch of this African peanut stew on the weekend and freeze individual portions in ziploc bags for up to 3 months.
- Defrost overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours on the kitchen countertop.
- To re-warm, transfer the peanut stew into a pot and warm on the stove-top over medium heat till thoroughly warmed through.
Best Peanut Butter for West African Peanut Stew
You could go through the hassle of roasting and grinding peanuts, making peanut butter and using it to make this African peanut stew if you have the time. OR, you could do it like me and get yourself good quality peanut butter with natural ingredients. Meaning, Peanut butter with two ingredients max: peanuts and salt!! I use peanut butter and my West African peanut stew comes out perfectly creamy and delicious all the time.
More Tips
If you desire a thicker peanut stew, add a tablespoon more of peanut butter in the sauce. For a lighter textured sauce, simply put less.
I feel obligated to also state that this is not the stew for you if you have Peanut allergie. An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure and can be very dangerous. Peanut allergy signs and symptoms can include: Runny nose, Skin reactions such as hives, redness or swelling. Itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat.
PIN IT FOR LATER
For other African stews check out:
West African Peanut Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chunk cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 small potatoes peeled, washed and cubed
- 1 medium Onions (thinly sliced)
- 4 ripe Tomatoes (thinly cut)
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Garlic-ginger paste
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter
- 4 cups Cold water
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 2 Seasoning cube
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef chunks and season with salt and pepper. Sear the beef till nicely browned and drain into a plate. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and saute until lightly browned; about 3 minutes. Add the garlic-ginger paste and stir until fragrant; about 1 minute.
- After that, add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, seasoning cubes, and cook, occasionally stirring till well cooked; about 6 minutes.
- Add seared meat, potatoes, and water and simmer on medium-low heat, till the meat and potatoes are tender. The duration will depend on how long the beef needs to get tender. If the cut of meat you are using needs long to soften, add the potatoes 10 minutes after the meat has been added. This way, you ensure that the potatoes don't get overcooked.
- Add Peanut butter and stir till well dissolved. Cover the pot and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Notes
If you enjoy this peanut stew recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with Star rating. I would love to hear from you.
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You had me at Peanut stew! I love the flavors in this, and I can just imagine how this smell so delicious while cooking! What a show-stopping main course.
Thanks so much Elvis. Your feedback is highly appreciated.
Thank you for this very clear article. I have never cooked a peanut stew before. I feel like it’s no big deal after reading your blog. That is great that you have this recipe. I will have to save this. Thank you!
I am glad I have been of help to you. Thank you for your feedback.