Daraba de Mafé (Chadian Peanut Stew)
Daraba de Mafé is a hearty and flavorful Chadian stew that combines tender meat or fish with a rich peanut butter sauce and a medley of vegetables. It's a staple dish that reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of Chadian cuisine, utilizing local ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef stew meat or lamb, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 cups Okra, chopped
- 1 medium Sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium Eggplant, cubed
- 3 cups Leafy greens (spinach, cassava leaves, or chard), chopped
- 1 cup Natural peanut butter
- 4 cups Water or beef broth
- 1 Bouillon cube (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional, for spice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, then remove and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. - 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Add the chopped okra, sweet potato, and eggplant to the pot. Stir to combine with the tomato mixture.
💡 Tip: Some recipes suggest sautéing okra separately to reduce sliminess. - 5
Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the water or broth and add the bouillon cube (if using). Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
💡 Tip: Simmering time may vary depending on the cut of meat. - 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of the hot liquid from the stew until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the peanut butter is well-dissolved prevents clumps. - 7
Add the chopped leafy greens and cayenne pepper (if using) to the stew. Stir well, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, traditionally with millet, rice, or sorghum.
💡 Tip: Millet, rice, or sorghum are common accompaniments.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Okra is key for thickening the stew naturally.
- ✓Adjust the amount of peanut butter to your preference.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- ✓For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
🔄 Variations
- Use fish (like Nile perch) instead of meat for a lighter version.
- Incorporate other local greens like cassava leaves.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.