Mafé Mauritanien aux Patates Douces (Groundnut & Sweet Potato Stew) – Authentic Mauritania Recipe

Warming Mauritanian groundnut stew balancing sweet root vegetables with savory peanut sauce.

Country of Origin
🇲🇷 Mauritania (West Africa, Africa)
Dietary Profile
vegan
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Signature Staples
Cubed orange sweet potatoes, Carrots and turnips, Roasted peanut and tomato gravy over rice, Garlic, Cumin

Ingredients for Mafé Mauritanien aux Patates Douces (Groundnut & Sweet Potato Stew) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) cubed orange sweet potatoes, prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups carrots and turnips, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup roasted peanut and tomato gravy over rice
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with garlic
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional Mauritania seasoning (cumin, ginger, pinch of chili)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown cubed orange sweet potatoes for 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced onion, garlic, garlic, and cumin, ginger, pinch of chili, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
  3. Add carrots and turnips and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
  4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
  5. Stir in roasted peanut and tomato gravy over rice right before serving warm.

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