Maafe Hako Banté
Maafe Hako Banté is a hearty and flavorful Guinean stew made with cassava leaves, meat (often beef or fish), and a rich peanut butter base. It's a comforting dish typically served over white rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef or Lamb(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 lbs Cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 3 tablespoons Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 0.5 lb Smoked fish or meat(optional, flaked or cut into pieces)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, finely chopped)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 2 cubes Maggi cubes(crumbled)
- White rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cassava leaves, rinse and chop them. If using frozen, thaw and drain.
💡 Tip: Ensure cassava leaves are thoroughly cleaned. - 2
In a large pot, season the beef or lamb with salt and pepper. Add enough water to cover, and boil until tender. Reserve the cooking liquid (broth).
- 3
Heat the palm oil or vegetable oil in a separate large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Add the peanut butter and whisk until it starts to dissolve. Gradually whisk in the reserved beef broth and the crumbled Maggi cubes.
💡 Tip: Whisking the peanut butter well will help create a smooth sauce. - 7
Add the chopped cassava leaves to the pot. If using smoked fish or meat, add it now.
- 8
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the cassava leaves are tender and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over cooked white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cassava leaves can be tough; ensure they are cooked until very tender.
- ✓If you cannot find cassava leaves, spinach or collard greens can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the spice level.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include other vegetables like okra or eggplant.
- Fish is also a common protein in Maafe Hako Banté.