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