Step 1 of 6
Mafé
Heat the oil in a heavy pot and brown the beef in two batches. Set aside. Soften the onion and garlic in the same pot for 6 minutes.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Mafé take?
2 hr all in — 20 min prep, 1 hr 40 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 bowls. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Peanuts. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Gluten-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Mixing bowl, Chef's knife.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Beef → Chicken thighs on the bone. Brown them the same way and cut the first simmer to 20 minutes.
What should I watch for?
The sauce catches easily once the peanut is in. Keep the heat low and scrape the base as you stir.
Any tips from this recipe?
Mafé thickens as it cools. Loosen leftovers with hot water, not stock. Add a tablespoon of fish sauce or a dried smoked fish with the water for the depth Senegalese cooks get from guedj. For a vegetable mafé, skip the beef and add 200 g more sweet potato and some turnip. Simmer 40 minutes in total.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.