Groundnut Stew (Gambian Domoda)

Domoda is the national dish of Gambia. It is a delicious “groundnut stew” (peanuts) consisting of whatever vegetable happens to be available, typically pumpkin or sweet potatoes, and a saucy base. Whether vegetarian or including meat, the base is pretty consistent: A rich and flavourful sauce featuring ground peanut paste (or natural, unsweetened peanut butter), fresh tomatoes, and tomato paste. Caramelized onions, chicken and tomato stock, and hot chili peppers are also added. Maggi bouillon cubes are readily available in many parts of Africa and are commonly used in African cooking, including this dish.

1 lb beef steak or 1 lb chicken breast, cut into ½" chunks
1 large onion, diced
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
½ can (3 oz) tomato paste
¾ cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
4 Maggi or Knorr tomato bouillon cubes
3 cups water
Scotch bonnet chilies, diced, according to heat preference
4 cups pumpkin or sweet potato, diced
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked

Heat the oil in large Dutch oven. Sauté the onions until golden. Add the beef and garlic and continue to sauté until the beef is no longer pink. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chilies, peanut butter and stir to combine. Add the water and bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add squash, cover, and continue to cook for 35-40 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot with rice. This stew tastes even better the next day.

Makes 4 servings.