Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1216 · Mafe

Mafe, and where to source it

Mafe — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Mafe Senegalese 5best2buy.com

Whisk the peanut paste into a ladle of the hot broth first, then stir that back into the pot, and simmer long enough that a slick of peanut oil rises to the surface, which is the sign the sauce is properly cooked.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
MakesServes 6
CuisineSenegalese
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  peanuts
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
beef chuck, cubed
2 lb
900 g
Local / market
natural peanut butter
1 cup
260 g
tomato paste
3 tbsp
45 g
Local / market
onions, diced
2
300 g
Local / market
sweet potato and cabbage
assorted
600 g
Local / market
scotch bonnet
1
1
Local / market
garlic and ginger
4 cloves plus 1 tbsp
to taste
Local / market
beef stock
5 cups
1.2 L
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Brown the seasoned beef in oil in batches, then set aside.12 min
  2. Soften the onions, add garlic, ginger, and tomato paste, and fry a few minutes.8 min
  3. Return the beef with the stock and whole scotch bonnet and simmer gently until the meat is tender.50 min
  4. Loosen the peanut butter with a ladle of hot broth, stir it back in, and add the vegetables.10 min
  5. Simmer until the vegetables are soft and the peanut oil rises to the top, then season.20 min
The Toolkit

Heavy pot · Whisk · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Mafe in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Mafe? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Mafe ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Mafe gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Mafe vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1216