Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, ensure your peanut butter is natural and unsweetened (most are), and follow the vegetarian adjustments. You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas, firm tofu, or even more sweet potato and other hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.

While sweet potatoes add a lovely sweetness and texture, you can certainly substitute them. Carrots, butternut squash, or even regular potatoes (like Yukon Golds) would work well. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

If you prefer a milder stew, use the Roasted Garlic EVOO for cooking and reduce the amount of Orange Pepper Blend on the chicken. For a spicier kick, use the Citrus Habanero EVOO as suggested, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during the simmering stage. Always taste and adjust to your preference!

Yes, this stew is excellent for meal prepping! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Traditionally, this stew is served over fluffy white rice or couscous, which helps soak up the rich sauce. You can also serve it with a side of warm flatbread (like naan or pita), fufu, or simply a fresh green salad to cut through the richness.

The consistency can vary based on your peanut butter and how much liquid evaporates. If your stew is too thick, gradually stir in a little extra chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, uncover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow some liquid to reduce, or mash a few sweet potato pieces against the side of the pot to help thicken it naturally.

It has many different names depending on the region! In Senegal and Mali, it’s widely known as Mafe (or Mafé). In The Gambia, it is the cherished national dish called Domoda. In Ghana, you’ll find it as Nkatenkwan (which translates to “groundnut soup”), and in Nigeria, it’s often called Miyan Geda.

Mafé has a wonderfully complex flavor profile. It is primarily rich, creamy, and savory from the peanut butter, which is balanced by the tangy sweetness of tomatoes and the savory depth of the onions and garlic. Our recipe adds a zesty layer with the Orange Pepper Blend and a bright or savory kick from our Citrus Habanero EVOO or Roasted Garlic EVOO, find more products like this in our store.

While our recipe features chicken thighs, Mafé is incredibly versatile. In many parts of West Africa, particularly Senegal, it is traditionally made with lamb or beef. You can also find common variations made with goat meat or even fish.

Domoda, the national dish of The Gambia, is very similar to this recipe. Its core ingredients are a protein (like chicken or beef), peanut butter (or groundnut paste), onions, tomatoes, and often vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots. Domoda is especially known for being a very thick, rich, and concentrated stew.

The peanut butter itself is a powerful natural thickener. In this recipe, we first create a smooth “slurry” by whisking the peanut butter with 1 cup of the hot broth before adding it to the pot. This prevents clumping and ensures it thickens the stew evenly as it simmers.

If your stew is thinner than you’d like, the easiest solution is to let it simmer uncovered on low heat for an extra 10-15 minutes. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce and concentrate. The peanut butter and starches from the sweet potato will continue to thicken the stew as it reduces.

To actively thicken a stew, you must simmer it with the lid off. This allows steam (water) to escape. If you cook with the lid on, you are trapping the moisture, which is great for tenderizing meat but will keep the stew from reducing and thickening.

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are highly recommended. Thigh meat is more tender and flavorful, and it holds up much better during the 30-40 minute simmering time without drying out. If you choose to use chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it; you may want to reduce the simmer time slightly.

If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can easily substitute them with other root vegetables. Butternut squash or carrots are excellent choices that provide a similar color and sweetness. For a more savory, starchy alternative, regular potatoes (like Yukon Gold) cut into 1-inch cubes will also work perfectly.

This recipe is easily adapted for a vegan diet! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For the protein, replace the chicken with 1-2 cans of drained chickpeas (add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking) or cubes of extra-firm tofu (which you can sear just like the chicken in step 2).

It is best to use a natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Look for an ingredient list that contains only “peanuts” and maybe “salt.” Avoid using conventional sweetened peanut butters, as the added sugars will make the stew too sweet and alter its traditional savory flavor.

While our oils are designed for the best flavor, you can substitute them. If you don’t have our Roasted Garlic EVOO, simply use a high-quality regular EVOO and add one extra clove of minced garlic. If you want the heat of the Citrus Habanero EVOO, use a regular EVOO and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small, minced chili pepper along with the onions. You can find both specialty oils on our shop page for next time!

This stew makes for fantastic leftovers! In fact, the flavors often get even better the next day. Once it has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This stew is very rich and savory, so it’s traditionally served over a neutral base that can soak up all the delicious sauce. The most common pairings are fluffy white rice or couscous. You could also serve it with warm flatbread, naan, or traditional fufu. For more recipe ideas, feel free to browse our Recipes & News section.