Slow Cooker Turkey Peanut Stew (Mafé) Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the aromatics of the dish, you can lightly sauté the onions in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is entirely optional.

If you choose to do this, ensure the onions have cooled slightly before adding them to the cooker to maintain food safety. This extra step adds a layer of caramelized sweetness that complements the earthy peanut flavor.

When serving, consider adding a fresh garnish to contrast the richness of the stew. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few crushed peanuts provides a bright pop of color and a pleasant crunch that elevates the final presentation.

These small additions can make a significant difference in the overall sensory experience of the meal, making it feel complete and restaurant-quality.

Variations

• Spicy Peanut Stew: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato broth before cooking to introduce a pleasant, creeping heat that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
• Sweet Potato Mafé: Substitute the carrots with cubed sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes will soften and naturally thicken the sauce, providing a heartier texture and a slightly sweeter profile that pairs perfectly with the peanuts.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until piping hot, adding a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Once properly sealed, the stew can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, use a saucepan over medium-low heat and add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage, stirring occasionally until heated through.

This stew is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen and improve after spending a night in the refrigerator. Prepare the stew as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. This makes it a perfect option for meal planning throughout a busy work week.

Serving ideas

Serve the stew hot in shallow bowls to showcase the glossy, rich sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed white rice or couscous, which helps to soak up the flavorful peanut-tomato broth. The combination of the tender turkey and the creamy sauce makes it a substantial meal on its own, but a side of steamed greens can also add a nice balance to the plate.

Ensure the serving plates are warm to keep the stew at an ideal temperature while dining. Because the sauce is quite rich, smaller portions are often satisfying.

If you are hosting, this dish presents beautifully when served directly from a clean slow cooker or transferred to a large serving bowl, allowing guests to help themselves to the desired amount of sauce and turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Turkey Peanut Stew (Mafé)

Prep 15 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb turkey breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups tomato-based vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Place the turkey pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced carrots and chopped onions evenly over the top of the turkey to ensure they cook through evenly during the slow cooking process.
2. Add the creamy peanut butter in a single dollop onto the vegetables. Pour the tomato-based vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers the turkey and vegetables to facilitate a thorough braise.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, check that the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the mixture gently to combine the peanut butter into the broth before serving on a plate.

Contains: peanuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

680 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.