A delightful twist on the traditional Senegalese Mafe, this recipe combines tender beef with a rich peanut butter sauce, enhanced with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
In a bowl, mix the peanut butter with a cup of warm water until smooth.
Mixing the peanut butter with warm water helps it dissolve evenly into the stew.
Season the beef with salt and pepper.
Let the beef sit for a few minutes after seasoning to absorb the flavors.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the beef to sear it properly.
Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
Do not overcrowd the pan; brown the beef in batches if necessary.
In the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan.
Add the peanut butter mixture to the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Scraping the browned bits adds depth of flavor to the stew.
Return the beef to the pan along with the tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, soy sauce, and potato.
Cut the potato into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Cover the pan partially to retain moisture while allowing the stew to thicken.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Always remove bay leaves before serving as they can be sharp.
Serve hot over rice or with bread.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.