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Domoda (Groundnut Stew with Beef and Rice)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 min
Prep
75 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 700 g (1 1/2 lb) stewing beef, cubed
  • 250 g (1 cup) smooth natural peanut butter
  • 400 g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chunked
  • 1 scotch bonnet chilli, whole (pierced once)
  • 750 ml (3 cups) beef stock
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • 600 g (3 cups) cooked long-grain rice, to serve

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef in batches; set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft, then stir in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes; cook for 6-8 minutes.
  3. Return the beef to the pot, add the stock and whole chilli, cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes until the beef is tender.
  4. Stir in the peanut butter until fully dissolved into the sauce, then add the sweet potato chunks.
  5. Continue simmering uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the sweet potato is tender.
  6. Season with salt to taste and serve hot over cooked rice.

Introduction: Domoda is the Gambian groundnut (peanut) stew, considered by many to be the country's national dish.

Cultural Background: Domoda is the Gambian groundnut (peanut) stew, considered by many to be the country's national dish. Rich, nutty and slow-simmered, it reflects the central role of groundnuts in Gambian agriculture and cuisine, and is a fixture of home lunches nationwide.

Tips: Stir frequently once the peanut butter is added, as groundnut sauces catch easily on the base of the pot. Removing the chilli whole keeps the heat gentle and adjustable at the table.

Variations: Chicken or dried fish can replace beef. Add chopped cabbage or bitter greens for extra vegetables.

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days; the sauce thickens further when chilled.

Reheating: Reheat over low heat with a splash of stock or water, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Nutrition: Approx. 610 kcal, 32g protein, 30g fat, 55g carbohydrate per serving (with rice).

FAQs:

Q: Is Domoda spicy?

A: It is typically mild to moderately spiced, with the whole chilli left intact so diners can control the heat themselves.

Q: Can I make Domoda vegetarian?

A: Yes, replace the beef with extra sweet potato, pumpkin, and chickpeas, and use vegetable stock.

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