Greens in Peanut Sauce

Greens in Peanut Sauce Recipe from Chad

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Greens in Peanut Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of greens with the rich and creamy taste of peanut sauce. This recipe is a popular dish in many African and Asian countries, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes.

History

The origins of Greens in Peanut Sauce can be traced back to West Africa, where peanuts are a common ingredient in many traditional dishes. Over time, this recipe has spread to other parts of the world, including Asia, where it has been adapted to include local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

1-2 lb of cassava leaves (Feuilles de manioc), collards, kale, turnip greens or similar
spinach, cleaned, stems removed, and shredded or pounded in a mortar with a pestle
1 ripe tomato, chopped (or canned tomato, drained)
1 onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup of peanut butter (or peanuts)
salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper, to taste

How to prepare

If you are using peanuts (instead of Peanut butter), make your own homemade Peanut paste

Remove the shells from the peanuts and roast them on a baking sheet in a hot oven or in a large skillet on the stove, stirring often. Then, remove the skins.
Place the peanuts in a saucepan and add a few tablespoons of water to partially cover them. Bring to a slow boil, stirring often.
Reduce the heat.
Crush the peanuts with a potato masher.
In a large pot, bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the greens.
Cover and cook on high heat for ten minutes, stirring often.
Reduce the heat.
Remove most of the liquid from the pot and save half of it.
Add tomatoes and onion to the greens, stir, and simmer for ten minutes or more.
In a bowl, combine the peanut butter with enough of the liquid from the cooking pot to allow it to be mixed until smooth.
Add the peanut butter mixture to the greens.
Season to taste.
Simmer on very low heat until the greens are tender to your liking.

Variations

Add chopped garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Use different types of greens such as kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard.
Add coconut milk for a creamier sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the stems from the greens before cooking to ensure a tender and flavorful dish.

- Roasting the peanuts before making the peanut paste will enhance the nutty flavor of the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier dish or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Greens in Peanut Sauce can be served as a main dish with rice or bread, or as a side dish to complement a larger meal. It pairs well with grilled meats or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Pounding the greens in a mortar and pestle helps to release their flavors and tenderize them.

- Simmering the greens on low heat allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use peanut butter instead of making your own peanut paste.

- Substitute the canned tomato with fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Greens in Peanut Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Greens in Peanut Sauce in a large bowl garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Greens in Peanut Sauce with a side of rice, quinoa, or flatbread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Greens in Peanut Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greens in Peanut Sauce contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greens in Peanut Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greens in Peanut Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Greens in Peanut Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Greens in Peanut Sauce is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and may not be suitable for individuals with peanut allergies.

Summary

Greens in Peanut Sauce is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It is a great way to incorporate greens into your diet while enjoying the delicious flavors of peanut sauce.

Summary

Greens in Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With its rich peanut sauce and tender greens, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Greens in Peanut Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Africa. My grandmother was known far and wide for her amazing cooking skills, and she had learned many recipes from her own grandmother.

One day, while helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through generations. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Greens in Peanut Sauce. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients.

My grandmother explained to me that this was a traditional dish in our culture, and that it was a favorite among our family and friends. She told me that the key to making it just right was to use fresh greens and to roast the peanuts until they were golden brown and fragrant.

I watched intently as my grandmother prepared the dish, taking note of each step and ingredient. She showed me how to wash and chop the greens, and how to roast the peanuts in a heavy skillet until they were just right. She then mixed the peanuts with onions, garlic, and a few other spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma of roasted peanuts and savory spices filled the kitchen. My mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished product.

When the dish was finally ready, my grandmother served it to our family with a side of steamed rice. The combination of the tender greens and the creamy peanut sauce was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was rich, savory, and utterly delicious.

From that day on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Greens in Peanut Sauce, and she was more than happy to pass down the recipe to me. As the years went by, I perfected the dish, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.

I have since shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its unique and mouthwatering flavors. It has become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and delight.

Every time I make Greens in Peanut Sauce, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, watching in awe as she worked her culinary magic. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of my roots and the traditions that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And for that, I am forever grateful.