National Dish Togo: Maffé (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Maffé, the rich and comforting national dish of Togo! This hearty peanut stew brings together tender chunks of meat, fresh vegetables and a velvety groundnut sauce that coats every mouthful. Warming, nourishing and full of protein, it captures the generous spirit of West African cooking. Serve it over rice or with fufu and bring a taste of Togo straight to your own table.
About Maffé
Maffé is a traditional national dish from Togo, celebrated for its rich flavour and hearty, savoury character. The dish combines tender pieces of meat with fresh vegetables and a creamy peanut sauce that gives every bite a distinctive depth. It is often served with rice or fufu, which turns it into a truly filling meal. The peanuts are not just central to the flavour — they also make the dish nourishing and packed with protein, a hallmark of West African home cooking.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500 g beef or chicken
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 1 pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 piece of ginger (about 2 cm)
- 200 g peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 400 ml vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
If you want to make maffé, the first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Fresh produce along with peanuts and peanut butter are widely available in most supermarkets and at African or Asian grocers. Be sure to choose a good-quality peanut butter with no added sugar, as this has a real influence on the flavour of the finished dish. For the fresh ingredients, reach for seasonal, regional produce wherever you can to guarantee the best possible quality.
Preparing the dish
Preparation is an important step in making sure the dish turns out a complete success. Begin by cutting the meat into even cubes so that it cooks through uniformly. The onions, carrots, pepper, garlic and ginger should be prepared as well. Cut the vegetables into strips or dice, according to your preference, to give the stew an appealing look and texture.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or pan and sauté the onions until translucent.
- Add the meat and brown it on all sides.
- Add the vegetables (carrots, pepper, garlic and ginger) and fry them briefly.
- Stir in the tomato purée and the peanut butter and mix well.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring everything to the boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer for about 30–40 minutes, until the meat is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Maffé is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure the ingredients you use — such as the peanut butter and stock — are gluten-free. For a lactose-free version, simply use plant-based oils and a peanut butter that contains no dairy. It is worth checking the ingredient list on your stock, as some blends contain hidden additives. That way you can be confident your maffé stays both gluten- and lactose-free.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For an active vegan or vegetarian diet, maffé adapts with ease. Instead of meat, use tofu or chickpeas to replace the protein. You can also add extra vegetables such as courgette or aubergine for more flavour and texture. Take care to choose a vegan peanut butter and vegetable stock so the whole dish stays plant-based and suitable for everyone at the table.
More tips and tricks
For the best possible flavour, let maffé rest a little after cooking so the aromas can develop fully. Fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley used as a garnish not only add colour to the plate but also bring extra freshness. You can also spice the stew with a pinch of chilli to make it a touch hotter, according to your own taste. Experiment with the seasonings to create your very own version of maffé.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The lovely thing about maffé is that you can adapt it to your personal preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables or change the amount of peanut butter, anything goes. Perhaps you would like a hint of sweetness with a little honey or sugar, or you might try different vegetables that offer more texture. Give your creativity free rein and shape maffé exactly to your liking.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives for maffé. In place of beef or chicken you can also use turkey or pork. For the peanut butter, tahini or almond butter both work well, while the vegetable stock can be swapped for a nut-based broth to achieve a different flavour. It pays to stay flexible and experiment until you find the perfect blend for your version of the stew — much like the peanut base at the heart of a Sauce Darachide.
Drink pairing ideas
The right drink can round off the maffé experience perfectly. Cold drinks such as freshly squeezed lime juice or sweetened iced tea make excellent companions. If you prefer something stronger, a light white wine or a fruity red could pair nicely with the flavours of the dish. Alternatively, a sparkling mineral water works well and complements the heartiness of maffé beautifully.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of a dish is just as important as its taste. Serve maffé in a large bowl where the colours of the stew can really shine. Using fresh herbs as a garnish gives the dish a lovely finishing touch and highlights its freshness. For a special flourish, scatter over some roasted peanuts or decorate with colourful vegetables to create a true feast for the senses.
A bit of history
Maffé has its roots in West African cuisine and is popular not only in Togo but across many other countries in the region. The use of peanuts is widespread in African cooking, as they are an important and versatile source of nourishment. Maffé is often served at special occasions and celebrations, and over the years it has grown into a symbol of hospitality. With this dish you can experience the tradition and culture of West Africa right on your own plate — very much in the spirit of the wider Togolese cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Maffé
In summary, maffé is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful representation of West African culture. With its harmonious combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables and that unmistakable peanut sauce, it is an experience for all the senses. The ease with which the recipe can be adjusted and adapted to your personal tastes makes it a versatile dish that brings joy time and again. Let it inspire you and enjoy a little piece of Togo in your own home.
