Lamb and Millet Stew
Maafe-inspired
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb, sweet potatoes, and a rich peanut sauce, served over fluffy millet. This dish draws inspiration from West African Maafe, adapted to Mauritanian tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3.5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Peanut butter(natural, unsweetened)
- 2 cups Vegetable or meat broth
- 2 Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 Sweet potato(peeled and cubed)
- 1 Bell pepper(seeded and chopped)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt(to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(to taste)
- 1.5 cups Millet
- 3 cups Water(for cooking millet)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- 2
Add the cubed lamb to the pot and cook until browned on all sides to seal in flavors.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes, sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, cubed sweet potato, bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Mix well.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable or meat broth, ensuring ingredients are submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until lamb is tender.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of hot broth from the stew until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 7
While the stew simmers, cook the millet: Rinse the millet thoroughly. In a saucepan, combine millet with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- 8
Serve the lamb stew hot over the cooked millet.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier stew, leave some seeds in the scotch bonnet pepper.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Ensure you use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add okra or other seasonal vegetables to the stew.
- Substitute chicken or beef for lamb.
- Serve with couscous instead of millet.