Tigadegue Na (Malian Peanut Stew)
Tigadegue Na, often considered Mali's national dish, is a rich and hearty stew made with tender chunks of meat (typically beef or chicken) simmered in a flavorful peanut butter and tomato-based sauce. It's a comforting and deeply satisfying meal, often enhanced with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and traditionally served over rice or fonio.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Beef or Chicken(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 large Tomatoes(chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes))
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste(optional, for deeper color and flavor)
- 0.5 cup Natural Peanut Butter(unsweetened, unsalted)
- 3 cups Water or Broth
- Salt(to taste)
- Black Pepper(to taste)
- 1 Bouillon Cube(optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 Carrots(chopped (optional))
- 1 cup Sweet Potato or Pumpkin(cubed (optional))
- 1 cup Okra(sliced (optional))
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it well on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor. - 2
Add the chopped onion to the same pot and sauté until softened and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes (and tomato paste, if using) and cook until the mixture breaks down into a thick sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add salt, pepper, the optional bouillon cube, and any optional vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, okra). Pour in the water or broth.
💡 Tip: Ensure there's enough liquid to cover the meat and vegetables. - 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
💡 Tip: Simmering allows the flavors to meld. - 6
Stir in the peanut butter until well combined and the sauce is creamy. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken further.
💡 Tip: Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, over rice or fonio.
💡 Tip: Fonio is a traditional Malian grain that pairs wonderfully with this stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper along with the tomatoes.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
- ✓Natural peanut butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of beef and chicken.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf or a blend of West African spices like Herbes de Provence for added aroma.