Written By Ngwafu Tansie
Groundnut stew has a long and fascinating history. Peanuts have been cultivated in Africa for a long time. In fact, the groundnut stew recipe has been passed down through generations of African families and is a favourite in many households to this day. Growing up, we usually ate it for lunch or dinner with rice or boiled plantain. But in truth, you can eat it with literally anything. Potatoes, bread, couscous – get experimenting!
Last time I ate this dish, I was a young teen (between 12-14). With the help of my mum and aunties, I’ve learnt how to make this dish over multiple phone calls, so I can relive my youth once again! This recipe is dedicated to them – and now I’m sharing it with you, to make it even more special.
Groundnut stew, also known as peanut stew or soup, is a traditional African dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to West Africa, where groundnuts have been a staple food for centuries. The dish is also known as Maafe in Cameroon, where it is a popular traditional dish. It is believed that the dish originated among the Mandinka people of Mali, who would grind roasted peanuts into a paste and use it as a base for a savoury stew. Over time, the recipe spread throughout the region, with different variations emerging in different communities.
One of the most interesting aspects of groundnut stew is how it has evolved over time to reflect the changing cultural and economic landscape of West Africa. While the basic recipe has remained relatively consistent, different regions and communities have put their own unique spin on the dish, incorporating local ingredients and spices to create a wide variety of flavour profiles. For example, in Ghana, groundnut stew is often made with okra, which gives the dish a thick, viscous texture. In Nigeria, the dish is sometimes made with egusi, a type of melon seed that is ground into a paste and used as a base for the stew. In Mali, the dish is sometimes made with baobab leaves, which give the stew a tangy, slightly sour flavour.
As the popularity of groundnut stew continues to grow around the world, it is likely that we will see even more variations on the dish, as chefs and home cooks experiment with new ingredients and techniques. This constant evolution is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of African cooks, and to the long lasting appeal of traditional dishes that have stood the test of time.
As West Africa was colonised by European powers, groundnut stew became a popular dish among European colonists as well. It was introduced to the wider world in the early 20th century when African soldiers brought the recipe back with them from World War I.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional African dishes, including groundnut stew. The rise of African cuisine in popular culture has led to more people exploring the flavours and ingredients of the region, and incorporating them into their own cooking. As a result, groundnut stew has gained a new audience and is becoming more widely recognized as a delicious and healthy dish that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Africa.
Groundnut stew has also played an important role in the economic development of West Africa. Peanuts are a major cash crop in the region, and their export has been a key driver of economic growth in countries such as Senegal, Mali, and Nigeria. Groundnut stew has helped to showcase the versatility and value of this crop, and has played a role in creating demand for peanuts both domestically and internationally.
As the popularity of African cuisine continues to grow around the world, groundnut stew is likely to play an increasingly important role in the global food landscape. The dish's rich cultural history, health benefits, and versatility make it an attractive option for food lovers of all backgrounds.
The traditional ingredients for groundnut stew include peanut butter, tomato sauce, onions, meat, oil, and spices, although the exact ingredients can vary depending on availability. Some people omit the oil – like I did as nuts have a high oil content as it is,
so to make it healthier I removed it. Traditionally, this recipe uses palm oil but being environmentally conscious, I’ve adapted this recipe and removed it – replacing it with an array of spices to pack that flavour back in, so you definitely won’t be missing out. The stew is usually served with chicken or fish and a bed of rice or yams, and is often served on special occasions or for guests. The dish is a symbol of community and togetherness, and is a way to connect with one's cultural heritage.
Cookbooks, food blogs, and culinary events have all helped to showcase the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the region, and to encourage people to explore the flavours and ingredients of West Africa. As a result, groundnut stew is gaining new fans and is becoming a staple on menus around the world, ensuring that its legacy will endure for generations to come. However, in recent times, there has been a rise in the popularity of vegan groundnut stew, as more people are looking for healthier and plant-based alternatives. A good vegan groundnut stew recipe can be found here at Gwafu Vegan, which uses 100% peanut butter spread with as little sugar as possible, cutting out the blending process for you. As traditionally, you would use whole peanuts and blend them yourself.
In addition to its cultural significance, groundnut stew has a number of health benefits. Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fibre, making the dish a nutritious and filling meal. The vegetables and spices used in the recipe also contribute to its nutritional value, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Overall, groundnut stew is a dish with a rich history and cultural significance that continues to be enjoyed and appreciated by people around the world. It is a reminder of the important role that food plays in our lives, both in terms of nourishment and cultural identity.
Our recent pop up
A recent pop-up event by gwafuvegan has been a huge success, with the groundnut stew becoming our best-selling main dish alongside our popular combo box. The dish was a hit among customers due to its rich and flavorful taste, and the fact that it is a vegan dish made it accessible to a wider range of people.
We decided to put our own unique twist on the traditional groundnut stew recipe, opting to use pine nuts instead of peanuts. Pine nuts have less allergen risk than peanuts, making the dish more allergen-friendly for our customers. The pine nuts also gave the dish a slightly different flavour profile, adding a nutty and slightly sweet taste to the stew.
In addition to the pine nuts, we also added mushrooms to the dish to give it a "meaty" element. The mushrooms provided a rich and deep flavour to the stew, and the various textures of the mushrooms added a "cheffy" touch to the dish, making it look more appetising and attractive.
Due to the high demand for the dish, gwafuvegan is highly considering including it in our market rotation for 2023, making it accessible to more people. This just shows how traditional dishes can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences, while still retaining their rich cultural history. Groundnut stew is an excellent example of how food brings people together and can be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary preferences.
Overall, the success of our groundnut stew shows the enduring appeal of traditional African cuisine, and to the power of food to bring people together. By adapting and innovating on traditional recipes, chefs and home cooks can create new and exciting dishes that reflect the evolving tastes and preferences of people around the world.
Try it for yourself
Fancy trying our popular groundnut stew for yourself? Why not give our Groundnut Stew Recipe a go or attend one of our 2023 pop-ups, where you can try it made freshly by us!
Only just coming across gwafuvegan?
gwafuvegan specialises in cooking and delivering affordable vegan West African food. We ensure to only use high-quality, sustainable produce that is locally sourced. Our number one aim is to spread our love of vegan food and our passion and love of West African food. By doing this we showcase new and exciting flavours to our ever-growing diverse community
What we are currently getting up to:
● Popping up at food markets in and around Manchester. All our up and coming market dates are here.
● Selling Puff Puff boxes (sweet doughnut-like balls) - through our website - UK wide delivery. Order today - follow this link.
Ngwafu Tansie
