Siga Wassa Koun Foni
A hearty and flavorful Malian dish featuring tender beef simmered in a rich peanut and tomato sauce, served over fluffy fonio grain. This dish highlights the use of fonio, an ancient West African grain, and the beloved peanut sauce that is a staple in Malian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(cubed, such as chuck or stewing beef)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 cup (260g) Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.75 cup (195g) Peanut butter(natural, unsweetened)
- 6 cups (1.5 L) Vegetable or beef broth
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cubed)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 12 medium Okra(trimmed and chopped)
- 1 small Habanero pepper(optional, seeded and minced for less heat)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 cups Fonio(for serving)
- 4 cups Water(for cooking fonio)
- 0.25 cup Chopped peanuts(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 6 minutes - 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter and stir until well combined.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the vegetable or beef broth. Add the cubed sweet potato and diced carrots. Season with salt and black pepper.
- 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 6
Add the chopped okra and the minced habanero pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the okra and vegetables are tender.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 7
While the stew is simmering, prepare the fonio. Rinse the fonio under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the fonio and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the fonio is tender and fluffy.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 8
Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Siga Wassa Koun Foni hot over the cooked fonio. Garnish with chopped peanuts, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend some of the cooked sweet potato and carrots back into the stew.
- ✓If you can't find habanero, a milder chili pepper can be used, or omitted entirely.
- ✓Fonio can be substituted with couscous or rice if unavailable.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.
- Use chicken or lamb instead of beef.