West African Peanut Groundnut Stew (Maafe)

This classic West African peanut and groundnut stew, traditionally known as Maafe, is a comforting, one-pot dinner that delivers a rich depth of flavor. Combining savory chicken thighs with sweet potatoes, this naturally dairy-free and gluten-free dish is defined by its luscious, velvety sauce. It is a wonderful introduction to West African culinary traditions, offering a deeply satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.

What makes this particular preparation work so beautifully is the method of whisking smooth peanut butter directly into the warm chicken stock before simmering. This technique ensures a perfectly emulsified, glossy sauce without any clumping. Searing the chicken thighs first creates a rich, caramelized base in the pot, while slowly simmering the meat uncovered with the sweet potatoes allows the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally over forty minutes.

For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to maintain a gentle, even simmer and prevent the peanut-based sauce from scorching on the bottom. If you prefer a vegetarian variation, you can easily swap the chicken thighs for extra root vegetables or legumes, and use a robust vegetable stock in place of the chicken broth.

To serve, ladle this hearty stew generously over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which perfectly absorbs the savory peanut gravy. Garnish each bowl with a handful of chopped peanuts to add a delightful, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and soft sweet potatoes. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, as the complex flavors continue to develop and deepen the next day.