Name: West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 5 or 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs OR 6 to 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken; Salt and pepper, as needed; 1 tablespoon olive (or preferred cooking) oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/4 cup fresh minced ginger; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper or jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed; 4 cups kale, chopped (or substitute cabbage); 2 teaspoons cumin; 2/3 cups roasted peanuts, roughly chopped, plus extra for topping; 1/2 cup creamy, natural peanut butter; 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; 14.5-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional); 2 to 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock; Chopped cilantro, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a hug in a bowl that’s rich, creamy, and totally comforting, then you absolutely need to try this West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors brought together by toasted peanuts, fresh ginger, and a deeply aromatic base that makes every bite irresistibly hearty. Whether you’re in the mood for succulent chicken or a warm vegetable version, this stew delivers layers of taste and texture that feel both exotic and homey all at once. It’s a dish that feels like a cozy kitchen story and a culinary adventure rolled into one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round white pot is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with three main layers of ingredients. On the left side, there is a pile of fresh bright green spinach leaves with smooth texture. To the right of the spinach, there are many small chunks of bright orange carrots, neatly grouped. Below the spinach and carrots in the center, there are pieces of light tan colored cooked chicken with a soft texture. The layers are clearly divided with each ingredient visible from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about the ingredients for this West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe is how straightforward yet purposefully chosen they are. Each item plays a key role, from building the stew’s richness to adding bursts of color, aroma, and delightful texture.

Chicken thighs or pieces: Choose boneless skinless or bone-in skin-on for juicy, tender protein to soak up all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Olive oil: A simple cooking fat to brown the chicken and soften vegetables while adding subtle richness.
Yellow onion: Diced to create the stew’s savory, sweet foundation.
Sweet potato: Cubed to introduce gentle sweetness and a hearty, creamy texture.
Cumin: Adds warmth and a bit of earthiness to deepen the stew’s flavor profile.
Fresh ginger: Minced for a bright, zesty kick that livens up the dish.
Garlic: Four cloves to contribute pungency and aromatic depth.
Scotch bonnet or jalapeño pepper: Seeded for heat and a touch of smoky spice without overwhelming the stew.
Kale: Chopped greens to add color, nutrition, and a slight bitterness that balances the richness.
Roasted peanuts: Roughly chopped for crunch and that signature nutty flavor.
Natural peanut butter: Creamy and essential for the stew’s smooth, luscious body.
Crushed tomatoes: Providing acidity and a rich, red hue that complements the peanuts perfectly.
Chickpeas (optional): Rinsed and drained for extra texture and a vegetarian protein boost in veggie versions.
Chicken or vegetable stock: The liquid base that ties everything together, used to adjust stew thickness to your liking.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh herb topping for brightness and a pop of green at serving time.

How to Make West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces liberally with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes—don’t worry if it doesn’t cook through just yet, the stew will finish the job beautifully. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside, making sure to keep all those lovely juices in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Sweet Potatoes

Lower the heat to medium and add diced onion and sweet potato cubes to the pot, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally as they cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften slightly and the onions to turn translucent and golden. This creates a flavorful base that’s both sweet and savory.

Step 3: Add Spices, Peanuts, and Greens

Now it’s time to boost the flavor stack: stir in cumin, minced ginger, garlic, the seeded chili, roughly chopped roasted peanuts, creamy peanut butter, and kale. The aroma will become intoxicating as these ingredients mingle; cook together for about a minute to let all those fantastic flavors start to marry. Taste here and adjust seasoning if needed—it’s the moment your stew really comes alive.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Stock

Pour in crushed tomatoes, add rinsed chickpeas if you’re using them, and pour in 2 to 3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock depending on how thick or soupy you want your stew. This liquid transforms your ingredients into the irresistible, hearty peanut stew that you’ve been building toward.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Simmer

Slide the browned chicken pieces, including any juices that collected, back into the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer uncovered and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken and sweet potatoes are tender. If you used boneless skinless thighs, take them out, chop or shred the meat, then return it to the stew to mix everything evenly.

How to Serve West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe

A close-up of a thick stew served in a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. The stew shows chunks of orange sweet potatoes mixed with white chickpeas, all covered in a creamy orange sauce with green bits of chopped spinach and fresh cilantro on top. Red chili flakes are sprinkled over the cilantro, adding a touch of red. A silver spoon is partially inside the stew on the right side of the bowl, its handle resting on the edge. The colors are warm and vibrant, with a mix of orange, green, and white. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving experience, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and extra roasted peanuts on top. These garnishes add a refreshing brightness and delightful crunch that complement the creamy stew perfectly, making every spoonful a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Side Dishes

This stew shines even brighter when paired with warm flatbread, fluffy cooked rice, or fluffy couscous. These sides are perfect for soaking up the luscious peanut-rich sauce, turning each bite into a cozy, filling meal that’s satisfying from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, ladle the stew into colorful bowls and arrange a piece or two of bone-in chicken on top if you used that cut. Drizzle with a little extra peanut butter thinned with stock for a luxe swirl, and add a wedge of lime for a tangy finish that guests can squeeze on themselves. This makes the dish feel elegant while keeping it wonderfully rustic and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and marry even more overnight, which means your next-day meal will be just as delicious—if not better.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and be sure to leave a bit of room for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. Add a splash of stock or water if it has thickened too much during chilling. This keeps the texture silky and ensures every spoonful is comforting and smooth.

FAQs

Can I make the West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe completely vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable stock instead. The peanuts, chickpeas, and hearty vegetables provide plenty of substance and flavor to make it a satisfying vegan-friendly meal.

Is Scotch bonnet pepper necessary? What’s a good substitute?

Scotch bonnet adds a unique fruity heat, but if it’s not available, jalapeño is a great substitute. Just remove the seeds for milder heat or keep some for more kick. You can also adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance.

Can I use peanut butter other than natural creamy?

Natural, creamy peanut butter is preferred because of its pure peanut flavor and smooth texture, which blends seamlessly into the stew. Avoid flavored or chunky varieties as they can alter the taste and consistency.

How thick or thin should I make the stew?

The stew should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still have some lovely broth to sip alongside the peanut richness. Adjust the chicken or vegetable stock amount during cooking to get your preferred consistency—more for soupier stew, less for heartier.

What vegetables besides kale can I use?

Traditional maafe often features cabbage, which you can easily substitute for kale. You can also experiment with collard greens, spinach, or even chopped green beans to add some exciting variation and texture to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) with Chicken or Vegetables Recipe is one of those rare gems that brings warmth, comfort, and a little adventure all in one pot. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something nourishing yet special, or for sharing with friends and family who’ll marvel at the rich, complex flavors. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite stew that fills your kitchen and heart with delight.