Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Côte d'Ivoire with our authentic Maafe recipe. Also known as groundnut stew, Maafe is a beloved dish deeply rooted in West African culture, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting aromas. Combining a luscious peanut sauce with tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of spices, Maafe embodies the essence of Ivorian cuisine – hearty, flavorful, and soul-warming.

In this recipe, we'll guide you through the traditional steps of preparing Maafe, ensuring that every spoonful transports you to the bustling markets and bustling kitchens of Côte d'Ivoire. Whether you're seeking to explore new culinary horizons or craving a taste of home, this Maafe recipe promises to delight your senses and satisfy your appetite for authentic West African fare. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and let's embark on a culinary adventure to discover the irresistible flavors of Côte d'Ivoire's Maafe.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds of beef or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 4 cups of beef or chicken broth
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup of okra, trimmed and sliced (optional)
• ½ cup of chopped collard greens or spinach
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or couscous, for serving

Instructions:

1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the beef or chicken pieces to the pot, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.

3- Stir in the tomato paste, peanut butter, ground cumin, and paprika, mixing well to coat the meat evenly with the sauce.

4- Pour in the broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5- After 30 minutes, add the diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and sliced okra (if using) to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.

6- Finally, add the chopped collard greens or spinach to the pot, stirring until they wilt and become tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season the Maafe with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

7- Serve the Côte d'Ivoire Maafe hot over cooked rice or couscous, garnishing with additional chopped peanuts or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful West African stew with family and friends, savoring each spoonful of its rich and comforting peanut sauce.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed in the recipe per serving:

Beef or Chicken (1½ pounds):

• Calories: 300-400
• Protein: 40-60g
• Fat: 10-20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2.5g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, may help boost immunity and promote heart health.

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: High in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.

Peanut Butter (1 cup):

• Calories: 1500
• Protein: 65g
• Fat: 130g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 20g

benefits: Good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, may help lower the risk of heart disease and improve blood sugar control.

Beef or Chicken Broth (4 cups):

• Nutritional values vary based on the brand and recipe used. On average:
• Calories: 20-30 per cup
• Protein: 1-2g per cup
• Fat: 0-1g per cup
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g per cup

benefits: Provides hydration and contains nutrients like collagen, which may support joint health and digestion.

Tomatoes (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits: Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, may help protect against chronic diseases and support skin and bone health.

Carrots (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits: Rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and essential for vision health and immune function.

Potatoes (2 medium-sized):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits: Good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, may help regulate blood pressure and support digestive healt

Okra (1 cup):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, may help lower cholesterol levels and promote digestive health.

Collard Greens or Spinach (½ cup):

• Calories: 5-10
• Protein: 0.5-1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Fiber: 0.5-1g

benefits:Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, may help support bone health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as aiding digestion and improving blood sugar control.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.4g
• Fiber: 0.7g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and capsaicin, may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Nutritional values for salt and pepper are negligible as they are used in small amounts for seasoning.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods, specific ingredients used, and serving sizes.