Maafe (West African Peanut Stew)

Ingredients

Oxtail Marinade

• 2 pounds Oxtail
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Tomato Base

• 2 tablespoons high-quality, extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Roma tomatoes
• ½ large red bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, whole
• 1 thumbsize peeled ginger root
• 1 handful fresh flat parsley
• 2 Serrano peppers, whole

Ingredients for Maafe Peanut Butter Stew

• 1 large chopped white onion
• 1 Serrano pepper, chopped
• Tomato Base *see ingredients above
• 2 cups beef broth/stock
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup 100% Peanut Butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• salt, to taste see instructions
• 1 large green bell pepper, cut in chunks 30 minutes before complete
• 1 medium sweet potato cleaned, peeled, and cut into chunks 30 minutes before complete

Instructions

1. Remove marinated oxtail from refrigerator at least 20 minutes prior to cooking.
2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet or stew pot and sear oxtail 2-3 minutes per side, until they are brown in color.
3. Remove from skillet/pot and allow oxtail to rest.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to pot then add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. Carefully scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of pan into the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula. This adds more flavour!
6. Add in blended tomato mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
7. Pour in beef broth and stir in well. Next, add tomato paste and peanut butter. Stir well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Add in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and crushed red peppers.

***taste to see if you need to add salt. If so, add it here***

9. Add oxtail back to the stew pot. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Stirring occasionally.
10. Reduce to low heat, stir, and add cover. Cook on low heat until oxtail is tender (about 2 hours for beef).
11. In the last half hour of cook time, add in sweet potato chunks and bell peppers. Taste and adjust for salt if needed.
12. Serve and enjoy! (myprettybrowneats)