Mafe Poisson
Senegalese Fish and Peanut Stew
Mafe Poisson is a delightful Senegalese dish that combines the richness of a peanut butter sauce with the delicate flavor of fish. This stew typically includes a medley of vegetables and is seasoned to perfection, offering a unique and comforting taste of West African cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as mackerel, tilapia, or snapper, cut into chunks)
- 6 tablespoons Peanut butter(natural, unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Yellow bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 leaves Savoy cabbage(cut into large pieces)
- 400 ml Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Mixed herbs
- Salt(to taste)
- 400 g White rice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a jug, whisk together the peanut butter and 400ml of water until smooth. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure no one consuming the dish has a peanut allergy. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped yellow bell pepper, chili flakes, and mixed herbs. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- 5
Add the sweet potato cubes and cabbage leaves to the pot. Pour in the peanut butter mixture. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: You can add other vegetables like carrots or okra if desired. - 6
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- 7
Gently add the fish chunks to the stew. Cover and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 8
Season with salt to taste. Serve the Mafe Poisson hot over cooked white rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh coriander if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- ✓Be gentle when adding the fish to avoid breaking it apart.
- ✓Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or cassava.
- A small amount of fish sauce can add an umami depth.
- Some recipes include a squeeze of lime juice at the end for freshness.