Chadian Peanut Butter Stew: Daraba

Daraba, often referred to as Daraba de Mafé, is a well-liked meal in Chad and other West African nations. It is a savoury stew cooked with groundnut (peanut) sauce, veggies, and meat.

This filling stew, called Daraba de Mafé, blends tender beef pieces with sumptuously rich groundnut (peanut) sauce to create a dish that appeals to both locals and fans of African cuisine.

This recipe represents the essence of communal cooking, as families and communities come together around boiling pots to produce a dinner that goes beyond simple nutrition. It emerged from the colorful culinary scene of Chad. One essential ingredient, peanut butter, not only adds a particular nutty richness but also illustrates the historical trading routes that permitted the transfer of goods, spices, and cooking methods throughout the region.

Preparation Time

1 hour and 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 pounds of meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 cup of peanut butter

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

4 cups of water or broth

Salt and pepper 

Hot pepper or chili powder 

Cooked rice 

1 large onion (chopped)

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 large tomatoes (chopped)

2 cups of chopped vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, and/or eggplant)

Preparation

• Season the meat with salt and pepper.
• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the meat on all sides.
• Add the onions and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
• Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
• Add the peanut butter to the pot, stirring well to combine with the other ingredients. Allow it to melt into the mixture.
• Add the vegetables to the pot. Stir to coat them with the peanut sauce.
• Pour in the water or broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 40 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
• Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. 
• Serve the Daraba hot over cooked rice.