Domoda

Domoda Recipe from Gambia - Peanut Butter and Tomato Sauce Stew

Region / culture: Gambia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Domoda is a traditional West African dish that is popular in countries such as Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea. This hearty and flavorful peanut stew is a staple in many households and is often served with rice or cous-cous.

History

The origins of Domoda can be traced back to the Mandinka people of West Africa. It is believed that the dish has been enjoyed for centuries and has been passed down through generations. Domoda is a dish that is often prepared for special occasions and gatherings, as it is a symbol of hospitality and togetherness.

Ingredients

16 oz (454 g) jar of unsweetened peanut butter
15 oz (425 g) can of tomato sauce
6 oz (170 g) can of tomato paste
1 to 3 large onions, chopped
1 to 3 cloves of garlic, pressed or minced
1 to 3 cubes of bouillon
1 tsp of black pepper
110°F (43°C) red pepper (if you prefer it spicy)
2 tbsp of oil

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix 3 cups of hot tap water with the peanut butter.
Stir until the peanut butter is well mixed, then set it aside.
In another bowl, combine onions, garlic, and pepper with the tomato paste.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat (small bits of onions should sizzle immediately when added to the oil).
Add the tomato paste mixture to the hot oil and stir rapidly.
Sauté for a minute or two before adding the tomato sauce and diluted peanut butter to the saucepan.
Add the bouillon and hot red pepper as you bring the sauce to a boil (add water if the sauce is too thick).
Reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the sauce simmer.
Cook for about 30 minutes.
The sauce is ready when oil separates and floats on top of the mixture.
Once finished, let the sauce cool and remove any excess oil if desired.
Refrigerate the sauce overnight for better flavor.
Serve the sauce with rice, potatoes, cous-cous, etc.
You can also add any type of shredded meat to the sauce at the beginning of the simmering process.

Variations

Add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or okra to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
Use chicken, beef, or lamb instead of peanuts for a different twist on the dish.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use unsweetened peanut butter for this recipe to avoid a sweet flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

- Refrigerating the sauce overnight enhances the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

Domoda is traditionally served with rice, cous-cous, or boiled potatoes. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with a side of bread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Domoda is to let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the flavors to develop. Stirring constantly and adjusting the heat as needed will help prevent burning and ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tomato paste on hand, you can use tomato sauce as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of bouillon cubes for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Domoda can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Domoda in a large bowl with a side of rice or cous-cous. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Domoda pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. A glass of cold water or a fruity beverage complements the rich and savory flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Domoda in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Domoda contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Domoda contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Domoda contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Domoda contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Domoda is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Domoda contains peanuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Domoda is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Domoda is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special gathering with loved ones. With its rich and creamy peanut sauce, this West African stew is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Aisha in her tiny kitchen in Dakar, Senegal. The air was filled with the rich aromas of spices and herbs as she expertly prepared a traditional dish called Domoda. I watched in awe as she chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and crushed peanuts with a mortar and pestle.

I had never tasted anything like Domoda before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Aisha was kind enough to share her family recipe with me, explaining each step in detail and answering all of my questions with patience and grace. I took copious notes in my tattered recipe book, making sure to capture every nuance and secret ingredient.

As I cooked my first batch of Domoda in my own kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and connection to the rich culinary traditions of Senegal. The dish turned out delicious, with tender chunks of beef simmered in a creamy peanut sauce that was both savory and slightly spicy. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that would be passed down through generations in my own family.

Over the years, I have made Domoda countless times, each batch slightly different but always delicious. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, teaching them the art of balancing flavors and textures to create a truly authentic Senegalese dish. The secret, I tell them, is in the slow simmering of the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time.

I have also learned to adapt the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding extra vegetables or spices to make it my own. Sometimes I add okra or eggplant for a textural contrast, or a dash of hot pepper sauce for a bit of heat. Each variation brings a new dimension to the dish, making it fresh and exciting each time I make it.

One of my favorite memories of cooking Domoda was when my granddaughter, Sarah, came to visit me for the summer. She had always been fascinated by my cooking and had begged me to teach her some of my favorite recipes. Domoda was at the top of her list, and I was more than happy to oblige.

Together, we chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and crushed peanuts just like Aisha had taught me all those years ago. I showed Sarah how to brown the beef, slowly adding the sauce ingredients one by one to build layers of flavor. She watched with wide eyes as the sauce thickened and transformed into a rich, velvety gravy.

When we finally sat down to eat, Sarah took her first bite of Domoda and her face lit up with delight. "This is amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed, reaching for seconds. I smiled and patted her hand, feeling a swell of pride in passing on this treasured recipe to the next generation.

As I grow older, I find comfort in knowing that the recipes I have collected and mastered over the years will live on through my family. Each dish tells a story, a tale of tradition and heritage that connects us to our past and to each other. And in the case of Domoda, it is a story of friendship, generosity, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, wondering what to cook for dinner, I urge you to try making Domoda. Let the rich aromas of peanuts and spices fill your home, and savor each bite of this flavorful and comforting dish. And remember, the true secret to a great recipe is not just in the ingredients, but in the love and care you put into making it. Bon appétit!