Beef Mafe
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Loading... - Ibrahima Diop
- 14 Mar 2023
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Mafe, a Senegalese peanut-based stew, is a beautiful blend of rich, creamy peanut butter; tomato; and hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
SERVES
6
PREP
35 minutes
COOK
1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
During the winter months, I gravitate towards dishes that promise warmth and comfort; I shudder at the thought of all the chilled dishes I happily enjoyed just months ago in the warmer weather. And out of all the cozy soups and stews, I always come back to mafe.
Mafe is a beautiful blend of rich, creamy peanut butter; savory tomato paste; and hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. This version also features tender chunks of beef, although chicken and lamb are commonly used, too. Once you try it, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it — which means you’ll want it add it to your weekly winter lineup.
mafe in pot
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk
Where Did Mafe Originate?
Mafe originated in Senegal and tells the story of Senegal’s history through its ingredients. Peanuts, which are the foundation of mafe, are not indigenous to West Africa, but were brought to the region by European traders in the 17th century and went on to become a staple in the Senegalese diet.
Fish sauce is another common ingredient in mafe, imparting umami richness and depth of flavor. How is it that this Asian ingredient became a component of this West African stew? Senegal is a former French colony, as is Vietnam, and during the French Indochina Wars, thousands of Senegalese men were sent to Vietnam by the French. While there, some of those men married Vietnamese women who eventually moved to Senegal with their husbands. As is the story in countries around the world, these immigrants brought with them many of their food traditions from home, and shared them in their new country. Read More…
