Peanut stew

What is Peanut stew?

Peanut stew is a thick, savory dish built around a sauce of ground peanuts or peanut butter. The sauce is simmered with pieces of meat—often chicken, lamb, or beef—and a mix of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and sometimes okra or carrots. Leafy or root vegetables are common additions. The stew is typically spiced with garlic and a blend of local seasonings, which may include hot peppers, turmeric, cumin, or paprika. The finished stew is creamy and rich, with the peanuts giving it a distinct flavor and texture. It is usually served over rice, millet dough, or fufu, depending on the region.

Where does Peanut stew come from?

Peanut stew, known as maafe in Senegal and tigadèguèna in Mali, traces its roots to the Mandinka and Bambara peoples. Maafe developed in Senegal during the colonial era, incorporating rice and peanuts, and later spread to Mali and beyond. The Malian version, tigadèguèna, traditionally used Bambara groundnuts before peanuts became common. Over time, the dish became a staple across West Africa, with each region adapting it to local tastes and ingredients. In The Gambia, a similar stew called domoda is considered a national dish.

How is Peanut stew made?

To prepare peanut stew, cooks start by browning meat and sautéing onions and garlic. Tomatoes and a variety of vegetables are added, then simmered together. Ground peanuts or peanut butter is mixed in to thicken the sauce and give it its signature flavor. Spices such as hot pepper, turmeric, or cumin are often included for depth. The stew is cooked until the meat is tender and the sauce is creamy. It is then ladled over rice, millet dough, fufu, or couscous, depending on local custom.

How and when is Peanut stew eaten?

Peanut stew is commonly eaten at lunch or dinner as a main meal. It is served hot, often shared among family or friends from a communal bowl. In Senegal and neighboring countries, it is typically paired with white rice, while in Mali, millet dough or fonio is traditional. In Ghana and Ivory Coast, fufu or sweet potatoes may accompany the stew. The dish is enjoyed both as an everyday meal and at festive gatherings, reflecting its importance in West African home cooking.

Kinds of Peanut stew

Many regional and family versions of peanut stew exist. Some use lamb, beef, or chicken, while others are made without meat. Vegetables vary by season and location, with okra, carrots, and greens often included. In Ghana, boiled eggs may be added. Um'bido is a variant that uses greens. The dish can be spiced differently, and in some places, couscous or findi (a grain similar to couscous) is used as a base. The stew has also influenced dishes outside Africa, such as Virginia peanut soup in the United States.

What Peanut stew means

Peanut stew is a symbol of hospitality and everyday life in West Africa. It is considered a national dish in Mali and The Gambia, and is popular across Senegal, Mauritania, and beyond. The dish brings together local ingredients and reflects the region’s agricultural traditions. Its spread to other continents, especially through the African diaspora, shows its lasting cultural impact. In many homes, peanut stew is a comfort food and a centerpiece at both daily meals and special occasions.

Questions people ask about Peanut stew

Good reading and sources

• Peanut stew on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data