Domada 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 flavorful 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.
Situated in West Africa, Gambia was a British commonwealth until 1965 when it gained independence. The land is relatively more fertile than other parts of Africa and Gambia’s economy is dominated by farming, fishing and tourism. Thus, they’re able to grow things like the pumpkins and sweet potatoes that are common to Gambian cuisine.
Though Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, it’s culture and history are diverse. Some of this history was popularized in the Alex Haley book and TV series “Roots,” parts of which were set in Gambia. 
A very poor country, half of Gambia’s population lives below the international poverty line of $6.85 a day. Vegetarian dishes are common in Gambia because of the expense of meat. Domada is often eaten without meat as well. But when a Gambian family is able to enjoy a little luxury, they’ll often add chicken or beef to this national dish. It’s humbling preparing something that by our standards is simple and relatively inexpensive, knowing that for other countries, like Gambia, it’s a rare luxury. I’ve made this dish different times with beef and chicken and they’re both delicious. This time I used beef, but chicken can be used interchangeably (the resulting stew will be a little lighter in color).
This version is true to authentic roots. It’s a simple dish to make with a rich and rewarding flavor – West African comfort food at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Gambian flavors: Made with real ingredients and techniques for a traditional experience.
- Versatile protein options: Customize with beef, chicken, or even fish.
- Easy, one-pot cooking: Minimal prep with maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stew:
- 1 lb beef (cubed)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 fresh chili peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 2-3 cups beef or chicken stock (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Steamed rice or couscous
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gambian Domada
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic, chili peppers, and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring everything together.
4. Create the Peanut Sauce
- Stir in the peanut butter, then slowly add the stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce.
- Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Vegetables and Simmer
- Add the carrots and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili as needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or couscous and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
101 Guide to Succeeding with Gambian Domada
- Choosing the Right Peanut Butter: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the authentic rich and nutty flavor. Sweetened peanut butter can alter the taste of the stew.
- Protein Alternatives: While beef is traditional, you can substitute chicken thighs, lamb, or even fish.
- Controlling Heat: Adjust the number of chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance. For a mild stew, use one chili or omit it entirely.
- Make It Ahead: Domada tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Notes
- Stock Consistency: Adjust the amount of stock depending on how thick you want the stew. Thicker consistency works better over rice, while a thinner version is great as a soup.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Swap sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, pumpkin, or squash.
- Garnish Suggestions: Fresh lime juice, crushed peanuts, or fried plantains make excellent toppings.
Domada – Gambian Peanut Stew
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Description
The national dish of Gambia, Domada is a deliciously thick and saucy peanut stew served over rice. This is West African comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
For the Stew:
- 1 lb (450g) beef (cubed)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 fresh chili peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 2–3 cups beef or chicken stock (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Steamed rice or couscous
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
- Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic, chili peppers, and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Flavor Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop its flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring everything together.
4. Create the Peanut Sauce
- Stir in the peanut butter, then slowly add the stock, stirring constantly to create a smooth, rich sauce.
- Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add Vegetables and Simmer
- Add the carrots and sweet potatoes to the pot. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili as needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or couscous and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Stock Consistency: Adjust the amount of stock depending on how thick you want the stew. Thicker consistency works better over rice, while a thinner version is great as a soup.
Vegetable Substitutions: Swap sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, pumpkin, or squash.
Garnish Suggestions: Fresh lime juice, crushed peanuts, or fried plantains make excellent toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 75 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Gambian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 350g
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
