Rich and creamy West African chicken stew with smooth peanut butter, tomatoes, and warm spices.
Mafé is a beloved Ivorian staple where succulent chicken is braised in a luscious peanut butter sauce enriched with tomato paste, onions, and spices. The sauce is velvety and deeply savory, clinging to every piece of chicken. It's typically served over rice or with fufu, and represents comfort food at its finest across West Africa.
Serves 4
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large pot. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add chicken and brown on all sides for 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Add diced tomatoes and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk peanut butter with 1 cup water until smooth. Slowly stir into the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and cling to the chicken.
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar.
Don't let it stick to the bottom; stir often once peanut butter is added.
Adjust water to reach desired thickness.
Make with beef or lamb instead of chicken
Add carrots and potatoes for heartiness
Use almond butter for a different flavor
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freezes well for 2 months.
Mafé is one of the most iconic dishes of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and throughout West Africa. The combination of peanut butter and meat is a foundational flavor pairing across the region.
Yes, groundnut stew and mafé are the same thing — peanuts and groundnuts are the same plant.
Yes, but choose one with no added sugar or use homemade peanut butter for best flavor.
Per serving · 4 servings total
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