Mafe de Poisson
A rich and flavorful Ivorian fish stew made with a peanut butter base, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables. This dish offers a comforting and savory taste of West African cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Firm white fish fillets (e.g., cod, snapper)(cut into large chunks)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 250 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 750 ml Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 1 small Chili pepper (optional)(finely chopped, for heat)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish chunks with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a little warm broth until smooth. This prevents lumps.
- 6
Add the smooth peanut butter mixture to the pot along with the remaining broth. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Add the diced carrots and chopped bell pepper. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 8
Gently add the seasoned fish chunks to the simmering stew. If using, add the chopped chili pepper. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-dissolved in broth before adding to the pot to avoid clumps.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should be tender and flaky.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a bay leaf during the simmering process.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or okra.
- Use chicken or beef instead of fish.
- Serve with rice, fufu, or couscous.