Maffé (west African Peanut Stew)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound beef
• 1 large onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 1 can tomatoes
• 2 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 cup okra
• 1 cup leafy greens
• to taste cilantro

Steps

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef or chicken cubes.
3. Cook until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the meat from the pot.
5. Set it aside.
6. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic.
7. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
8. Reduce the heat to low.
9. Add the peanut butter to the pot.
10. Stir constantly until the peanut butter melts and combines with the onions and garlic.
11. Add the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot.
12. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the peanut sauce.
13. Then add the diced tomatoes, including their juices.
14. Mix everything together.
15. Gradually pour the beef or chicken broth into the pot, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
16. Return the seared meat to the pot.
17. Stir to coat it with the sauce.
18. Cover the pot with a lid.
19. Let the stew simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
20. After 30 minutes, add the diced carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, okra, and chopped leafy greens to the pot.
21. Stir well, ensuring that all the vegetables are submerged in the sauce.
22. Cover the pot again.
23. Let the stew simmer for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
24. Remove the pot from the heat.
25. Let it sit for a few minutes.
26. This allows the stew to thicken slightly.
27. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.