Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew
A rich Senegalese-inspired stew combining tender lamb simmered in a fragrant tomato and peanut sauce with warm spices. This African-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 85 minutes, pairs lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes, peanut butter (smooth), canned crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth)
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger root, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lamb shoulder cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until a crust forms. Remove lamb and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger root. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until spices bloom and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return the browned lamb to the pot and add 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter and 2 cups water. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally until lamb is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Step 6: Just before serving, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (15 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep peanut butter (smooth) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Peanut and Spiced Lamb Maafe Stew?
African beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
