Lamb stewed in Peanut Sauce

Lamb Stewed in Peanut Sauce Recipe from Benin

Region / culture: Benin | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lamb stewed in Peanut Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender pieces of lamb with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has its origins in West African cuisine, where peanut sauce is a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of tender lamb and creamy peanut sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

1.5 kg lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
6 tbsp peanut butter
4 cups water
0.25 cup peanut oil
2 onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 x 28 oz (794 g) can diced tomatoes
2 sprigs thyme
1 tbsp powdered shrimp
8 carrots, cut into chunks
3 sweet potatoes or potatoes, cut into chunks
1 small cabbage (optional)
4 turnips (optional)
salt

How to prepare

Boil the water and peanut butter together for 20 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool and remove the layer of fat on top.
In a large pot, heat the peanut oil and brown the lamb pieces.
Add the chopped onions and continue to brown.
Add the garlic.
Add the tomatoes.
Sprinkle thyme and powdered shrimp into the pot.
Season with salt to taste.
If using, add the carrots (and the cabbage and turnips).
Pour in the peanut butter and water mixture.
Cook for approximately 20 minutes.
Add the sweet potatoes and continue cooking until the meat is done and the vegetables are tender.
Serve with white rice.

Variations

Try using chicken or beef instead of lamb for a different flavor profile.
Add some heat to the dish by including a chopped chili pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the lamb pieces before adding them to the pot. This will help to seal in the juices and create a rich flavor.

- Be sure to remove the layer of fat from the peanut butter and water mixture before adding it to the pot.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious lamb stew with a side of fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful peanut sauce.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of boiling and stewing techniques to create a tender and flavorful dish. Be sure to simmer the stew gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are allergic to peanuts, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 550 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 28g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 45g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and shrimp.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, but it is also high in fat and calories. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lamb stewed in Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and creamy peanut sauce and tender pieces of lamb, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was like nothing I had ever seen before - lamb stewed in peanut sauce. The combination seemed so strange yet so intriguing. I couldn't wait to try it out and see how it would taste.

I had come across the recipe in a tattered old cookbook that I had found at a yard sale. The pages were yellowed with age and the ink was faded, but the words were still legible. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering at the thought of the rich, savory flavors that would come together in this dish.

I had always been a fan of experimenting with new recipes and flavors in the kitchen. My love for cooking had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, who had taught me everything I knew about the art of preparing delicious meals. Over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people, each one adding a new flavor to my culinary repertoire.

But this recipe for lamb stewed in peanut sauce was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was a fusion of flavors that seemed to come from two completely different worlds - the tender, succulent lamb paired with the creamy, nutty goodness of the peanut sauce. I knew that I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need - a bone-in leg of lamb, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and of course, plenty of peanuts. I set to work in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing, simmering and stirring, until finally, the dish was ready to be served.

As I took my first bite of the lamb stewed in peanut sauce, I was transported to a world of flavors that I had never experienced before. The tender lamb melted in my mouth, while the rich, creamy sauce coated my taste buds with its savory goodness. It was a revelation, a culinary masterpiece that I knew would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who were just as amazed by the unique combination of flavors as I had been. They couldn't believe that something so simple could taste so delicious. And so, the recipe for lamb stewed in peanut sauce became a cherished secret in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would make again and again for special occasions and quiet nights at home.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with new recipes and flavors, always looking for new and exciting ways to bring joy to the table. But the lamb stewed in peanut sauce remained a favorite, a reminder of that first moment of wonder when I discovered the magic of combining unexpected flavors in the kitchen.

And so, as I sit here now, with my tattered old cookbook open on the counter and the aroma of lamb stewed in peanut sauce wafting through the air, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple joys that cooking has brought me over the years. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most delicious surprises come from the most unexpected places. And for that, I am forever grateful.