A rich, hearty stew built on a thick groundnut paste base with tender beef chunks, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes simmered until the flavours meld into a creamy, nutty masterpiece.
Ingredients
500g beef, cubed
1 cup groundnut paste
4 large tomatoes, blended
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 scotch bonnet peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 bouillon cubes
Salt to taste
4 cups water
Instructions
1Season beef with salt and one bouillon cube. Brown in oil in a large pot, then add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté 3 minutes.
2Add blended tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes until reduced.
3Dissolve groundnut paste in 2 cups warm water and add to the pot. Stir well to prevent lumps.
4Add remaining water, sweet potatoes, whole scotch bonnet peppers, and second bouillon cube.
5Simmer on low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and oil rises to the surface.
6Serve hot over white rice.
Did You Know?
Maafe is so central to Malian identity that it is sometimes called the national dish, and every family claims their grandmother makes the definitive version.