Peanut Sauce

Maffe Tiga, Guinean Style

INTro

Maffe Tiga is a rich, flavorful sauce made with peanut butter, tomato paste or tomatoes, a few vegetables, condiments, and some type of protein, such as meat or fish. Although savory dishes with peanut butter are not common in the U.S., Maffe Tiga is popular among Peace Corps volunteers in Guinea. It is often served with rice, but can be served with fonio, especially at breakfast.

 

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup palm oil or plain vegetable oil
  • 6 cups water
  • 5 maggi cubes, or other bouillion
  • 1 large onion – chopped
  • pinch of oregano
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 Tbs tomato paste
  • pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 large tomato diced (remove seeds first)
  • 1 (14 oz) jar natural peanut butter (no sugar added)
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts cut into small pieces (or other meat or neutral fish)
  • 4 habanero peppers
  • 3 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbs oil
Directions

Step 1

Saute the onion and garlic in the oil until tender. Add everything except the chicken and peanut butter.

Step 2

Bring it just to a boil to get the maggi cubes dissolved.

Step 3

Bring it to a simmer and add the peanut butter. Let it simmer about an hour. 

Step 4

Add the chicken breast. Simmer until the chicken breast is done ( about 30 minutes).

Step 5

If you don’t want the sauce spicy, leave the peppers whole. If you’d like it spicy, break them up a little — but take care not to release too much of the oils — Habaneros are hot!

Note:

If you’re in a rush just add the peanut butter and chicken all at once and simmer until you like the consistency and the chicken is finished.