Difficulty: Moderate | Yields: 4 servings
Maafe, a beloved stew across West Africa, is rich with ground peanuts, warm spices, and tender vegetables. In this version, sweet potatoes and okra simmer in a velvety tomato-peanut sauce for a soul-satisfying bowl with bold flavor and cultural depth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or discovering the vibrant heart of West African cuisine.
📜 Why This Works
“Because food is tradition, memory, and flavor all in one.”
Ground peanuts give the stew its creamy base and signature richness. Tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and warming spices create layers of boldness, while sweet potatoes and okra lend texture and regional authenticity.
Ingredients for Maafe (West African Peanut Stew)
☑️ 1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
☑️ 1 onion, finely chopped
☑️ 2 garlic cloves, minced
☑️ 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
☑️ 2 tbsp tomato paste
☑️ ½ tsp ground cumin
☑️ ½ tsp paprika
☑️ 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
☑️ 1 cup okra, sliced
☑️ ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
☑️ 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
☑️ Salt & pepper to taste
☑️ Cooked rice or millet, for serving
👩🍳 How to Make It
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ Heat oil in a pot. Sauté onion until translucent.
2️⃣ Add garlic, ginger, tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Stir until fragrant.
🍠 Step 2: Simmer the Stew
1️⃣ Add sweet potatoes, okra, and broth. Bring to a boil.
2️⃣ Stir in peanut butter and reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened and vegetables are tender.
🍽️ Step 3: Season & Serve
1️⃣ Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Serve hot over rice or millet with optional chili flakes or chopped peanuts for garnish.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
☑️ Naturally gluten-free and protein-rich
☑️ A beautiful blend of comfort and complexity
☑️ Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezing
☑️ A true taste of West African culinary heritage
“Bold. Creamy. Deeply rooted in culture and care.”
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Truffle Honey Glazed Duck Breast You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
