Mafe is a hearty stew from Senegal and a popular dish in West Africa. It is typically made with many vegetables and meat cooked in a peanut butter-based sauce, which gives it a rich and creamy flavor. The dish is normally served with rice or another starchy side dish.
Here is a recipe for the classic Senegalese Mafe with chicken and vegetables:
Ingredients:
·        2 tablespoons vegetable oil
·        1 onion, chopped
·        2 cloves garlic, minced
·        2 tablespoons tomato paste
·        1 tablespoon chili powder
·        1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
·        1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
·        1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
·        1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
·        4 cups chicken broth
·        1 can dice tomatoes, drained
·        1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
·        1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
·        3 carrots, peeled and sliced
·        1 red bell pepper, chopped
·        1 green bell pepper, chopped
·        4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
·        Salt and pepper, to taste
·        Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1.     In a big-sized pot, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
2.     Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3.     Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot, then bring it to a simmer.
4.     Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth.
5.     Include the sweet potato, carrots, and bell peppers in the pot and let them simmer for approximately 25 minutes or until tender.
6.     Add the chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken(FLASH) is cooked and softened through.
7.     Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8.     Serve the Mafe hot with rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
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Remember to have fun and experiment with this recipe to make it your own. You can adjust the spice level, switch up the vegetables, or try it with a different protein like beef or lamb. Don’t be afraid to try different in the kitchen and enjoy the process of cooking and trying new things. Serve this classic Senegalese Mafe with chicken and vegetables with your favorite rice or starchy side dish, and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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