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Vegan Mafe Stew

Vegan Mafe Stew

By OcadoLifePublished on 27 May 2026This Senegalese dish is usually made with meat, but this Vegan Mafe Stew combines root veg such as carrots and potatoes for a plant-based spin. It was created by Khadim Mané, chef at award-winning Senegalese restaurant Little Baobab. “Mafe is rich, comforting, and it makes you happy,” he says. “I start by making nokoss (also known as green seasoning) – a fragrant paste that forms the base of many West African dishes and lifts every mouthful. It’s traditionally made in a gunaa (a standing pestle and mortar), but a food processor is my tool of choice when it comes to speed. I love to serve this mafe with millet to soak up the rich, nutty sauce.”
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Time and servings

1 hrTotal time
6Servings
15 minsPrep time
45 minsCooking time

Ingredients

  • 1 onion, diced, plus ½ onion for the nokoss
  • 1 small green pepper, core removed
  • 2 salad onions, trimmed
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-3 cm cubes
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-3 cm cubes
  • 350g smooth peanut butter
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet chilli
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-3cm cubes
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 450g millet or other grain, to serve

Method

  • Step 1

    For the nokoss, blitz the ½ onion, green pepper, salad onions, garlic, salt and black pepper in a food processor to make a smooth paste; set aside.

  • Step 2

    Heat the oil in a large, deep pan, add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper, and fry over high heat for 5 mins, stirring frequently.

  • Step 3

    Add the tomato purée and cook for a further 5 mins, stirring constantly. Add half the nokoss paste and stir well. Add the chopped tomato and let it cook for a further 5 mins.

  • Step 4

    Add the carrots with 1 litre water and bring to the boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the remaining nokoss, with the white potatoes, peanut butter, chilli and bay leaf. Cover and cook for 10-15 mins.

  • Step 5

    Lift the lid, give it a good stir and season to taste. Add the sweet potatoes and vinegar, and cook for 15 mins more or until the veg is tender. Carefully remove the Scotch bonnet chilli without breaking.

  • Step 6

    Serve the mafe family style in the middle of the table, with millet or other grain of your choice.