Special Diets

Sweet Potato Peanut Stew (or "Mafe" in West Africa)

• From: Oldways Preservation Trust

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 med yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 large sweet potato, chopped into medium-sized cubes

• 2 large carrots, cut into thin rounds

• 2 green zucchini, cut into thin half-rounds

• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, no salt added

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp vegetable bouillon powder (or 1 cube bouillon)

• 1 Tbs Berbere spice

• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme, minced (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

• Sea salt to taste

Mafe is common throughout West and Central Africa. This traditional stew is always based on a savory sauce made from peanut butter and tomatoes.

Directions

• Heat the oil in a soup pot on medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent (3 to 4 minutes).
• While the onions and garlic cook, chop up the sweet potato, carrots, and zucchini.
• Add sweet potato and vegetables to the pot; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes, water, bullion, and Berbere spice, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, add the peanut butter and thyme to the stew. Let it cook, covered, for another 3 to 5 minutes. Salt to taste, serve, and enjoy!