Recipe 1: Creamy Senegalese Mafé with Peanuts
Mafé (or peanut sauce) is a staple dish in West Africa, particularly in Senegal. This creamy stew made with peanut paste, vegetables, and meat (or a vegetarian option) is a culinary delight, perfect for a cozy meal. With our organic peanuts, you can create an authentic version that celebrates African flavors.
Ingredients (for 4 people)
- 150g organic unshelled peanuts (shelled and roasted, about 100g shelled)
- 500g chicken (thighs or breasts, or tofu for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tablespoons organic peanut oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tomato, diced (or 2 tablespoons tomato paste)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 sweet potato, cubed
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 chili pepper (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 handful spinach leaves or sorrel (optional, for a touch of green)
Instructions
- Peanut Preparation: Shell the organic unshelled peanuts. Lightly toast them in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes to intensify their flavor. Blend them with a little water (about 100 ml) until you get a smooth peanut paste. Set aside.
- Cook the Base: In a large saucepan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until golden (3-4 minutes). Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the Meat or Tofu: Stir in the chicken or tofu and cook until lightly browned (5 minutes). Add the carrots, sweet potato, and chili pepper (if using).
- Prepare the Stew: Stir in the broth and peanut paste. Mix well to avoid lumps. Simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens. Add the spinach or sorrel (if using) 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- Serving: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with rice, organic fonio, or millet for a traditional meal.
Preparation time
45 minutes
Tip
For a faster version, use natural organic peanut butter, but nothing beats the freshness of hand-shelled peanuts! If you like spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a whole fresh chili pepper while cooking.
Recipe 2: Crispy Nigerian Kuli-Kuli
Kuli-kuli are traditional Nigerian peanut snacks, perfect for snacking or pairing with a local beer. These crispy, lightly spiced bites are simple to prepare and showcase the rich flavor of our organic unshelled peanuts. A true delight to share!
Ingredients (for about 20 kuli-kuli)
- 200g organic unshelled peanuts (shelled, about 150g shelled)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or freshly grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, to taste)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
- Organic peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Peanut Preparation: Shell the organic unshelled peanuts. Roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. Let them cool slightly.
- Grinding: Blend the roasted peanuts in a food processor until smooth and oily. If the paste is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to make it easier to blend.
- Seasoning: Transfer the paste to a bowl. Add the ginger, chili pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well. Knead the dough with your hands until smooth.
- Shaping: Take small portions of the dough and form sticks, balls, or discs about 2-3 cm in diameter. Press firmly to hold them together.
- Deep Frying: Heat 2-3 cm of peanut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the kuli-kuli in small batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serving: Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Preparation time
30 minutes
Tip
For a lighter version, bake the kuli-kuli in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Serve them with a hot sauce or as a topping for an African soup, such as egusi.
Why adopt organic unshelled peanuts from Africa in your cooking?
Our organic unshelled peanuts, grown exclusively in Africa, are a tribute to the continent’s culinary traditions. Their raw shells protect their freshness and nutrients, while adding a fun dimension to cooking. Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin E, they are ideal for nutritious dishes or healthy snacks. By using them, you support organic farming, which respects the environment and African communities.
These simple yet characterful recipes showcase the versatility of peanuts in African cuisine. Whether you’re a novice or a culinary pro, they’ll transport you straight to the heart of Africa, with flavors that warm and unite.
Travel to Africa with organic peanuts!
Senegalese mafé and Nigerian kuli-kuli are much more than recipes: they’re invitations to discover the richness of African cuisine and the history of organic unshelled peanuts. Easy to prepare, these dishes and snacks capture the authenticity and bounty of the continent. Whether you serve them at a dinner party or snack on them alone, our organic peanuts offer you an unforgettable culinary journey.
Want to taste Africa? Order our organic unshelled peanuts in 100g bags and try these delicious recipes. Find them at [insert shop link] and share your creations with us!