Groundnut Stew (Mafe)

Groundnut stew, known as mafe across Senegal and Mali, is one of West Africa’s great one-pot dinners, born of the region’s love affair with the humble peanut. It is the kind of dish that simmers on the stove while the whole household drifts toward the kitchen, drawn by the scent of peanuts, tomatoes, and slow-cooked chicken. Every family has a version, and every version is ladled over rice and eaten with joy.

Silky peanut sauce with a slow-burn finish

The sauce is rich and velvety, with the natural creaminess of peanut butter mellowing the bright tomato base, while a single scotch bonnet adds warmth that creeps up on you. Sweet potato chunks soak up the sauce and turn buttery-soft, and the chicken falls apart at the touch of a spoon. It is comfort food at its most generous, best eaten with rice to catch every drop. The leftovers, if there are any, make a sauce worth fighting over the next day.

Craving more? Explore all West African Kitchen recipes.

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