Discover the Rich Flavors of West African Peanut Stew
By Tima Gaye
🍗 Ingredients for West African Peanut Stew
- 291g beef, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ paprika
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 garden eggs (optional)
- 3 small seasoning cubes
- 5 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 80g fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup palm oil (optional)
- 10–11 okra pods
- 1500–1800 ml water
- ½ fresh lemon (for serving)
Introduction
West African Peanut Stew – A Comforting Classic
West African peanut stew is a creamy and comforting dish made with peanut butter, tender chicken or beef, and rich West African spices. Also known as maafe or groundnut soup, it’s a hearty one-pot meal that’s full of bold flavor and tradition.
🥣 How to Make West African Peanut Stew Step-by-Step
Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks so it cooks evenly and tenderizes beautifully.
In a blender, combine the diced onion, paprika, spring onions, and chopped tomatoes. Blend until smooth—this will be the flavorful foundation of your stew.
Simmer the Beef for Your West African Peanut Stew
Now, pour the blended mixture into a large cooking pot and add the beef chunks.
Set the heat to low and let it simmer gently, allowing the meat to absorb all those deep, delicious flavors.
This slow cooking step is essential to building the rich taste that defines a traditional West African peanut stew.
Build the Peanut Stew Base
At this stage, once the beef starts to soften, stir in the tomato paste and smooth peanut butter. Mix everything well until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thick.
Gradually add water, stirring continuously to maintain that silky peanut stew texture. Then, season with your cubes and salt to taste.
Finally, bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered. This helps the flavors of the West African peanut stew develop fully.
Slow and Steady Peanut Stew Cooking
Now, let the peanut stew cook down slowly for about an hour. During this time, the sauce will thicken beautifully, the beef will turn tender, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with pure West African comfort.
Once that’s done, add the carrots and garden eggs (if using), along with a touch of palm oil for added depth and traditional flavor.
Next, stir in the okra and simmer just until the vegetables are cooked but still vibrant.
Finally, add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, cook until just wilted, sealing in all the bold flavors and vibrant color.
Time to Serve
Right before serving, squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice. This adds brightness and balances the rich, nutty flavors of the peanut stew.
Serve hot with steamed rice, fufu, or yam. You’ve just made a bowl of comfort that speaks volumes with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Stew
- Perfect for leftovers – Even better the next day!
- Creamy and comforting – A smooth peanut base makes every spoonful rich and satisfying.
- One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
- Culturally rich – A beloved dish across West Africa, full of history and heart.
- Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the heat to your liking.
🔥 Tips for the Perfect Maafe
- Use smooth peanut butter for best texture (no sugar or additives).
- Cook low and slow so the flavors fully develop.
- Stir often to avoid burning at the bottom.
- Add water gradually to control thickness.
- Use seasoning cubes like Seasong Cube or Knorr for that authentic base.
Love hearty stews? Don’t miss this Lamb and Beef Stew — another bold, flavorful African dish.
👉 Want to know which peanut butter works best in cooking? Check out this tasty savoury recipe using peanut butter on BBC Good Food and discover more sweet and savoury dishes to try in your stew!
About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.
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