Peanut Sauce Benin

Peanut Sauce Benin Recipe - Authentic African Cuisine

Region / culture: Benin | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 3

Introduction

Peanut Sauce Benin is a delicious and flavorful sauce that is commonly served with rice in Benin, a country in West Africa. This rich and creamy sauce is made with peanut butter, tomato paste, hot pepper, and other seasonings, creating a unique and satisfying dish.

History

Peanut Sauce Benin has been a staple in Beninese cuisine for generations. Peanuts are a common ingredient in West African cooking, and this sauce is a popular way to enjoy their rich and nutty flavor. The combination of peanut butter, tomato paste, and spices creates a savory and comforting sauce that is perfect for serving with rice or other dishes.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of oil
2 tbsp of tomato paste
0.5 to 1 tsp of your favorite hot pepper (amount depends on how well integrated you were or still are)
0.5 tsp of salt
1 beef bouillon cube (they sell maggi in Stop and Shop!)
1 cup of water (or more depending on the density of the peanut butter you're using)
0.5 cup of peanut butter
0.5 cup of diced onion

How to prepare

In a saucepan, sauté tomato paste, hot pepper, salt, onion, and bullion cube in oil for a few minutes.
Add peanut butter and water.
Using all-natural peanut butter is recommended as it doesn't contain any sugar that may clash with the salt.
Mix well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
This recipe yields enough sauce for 3 servings (1.5 cups of dry rice).
It can also be used as a sauce for Ingame pilé.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamier sauce.
Stir in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use all-natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Serve the sauce hot over rice for a traditional Beninese meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peanut Sauce Benin hot over a bed of fluffy white rice for a traditional Beninese meal. You can also use this sauce as a topping for grilled chicken or fish for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the seasonings before adding the peanut butter to enhance their flavors.

- Simmer the sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the water for added depth of flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut Sauce Benin can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peanut Sauce Benin in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish the sauce with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Peanut Sauce Benin with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve this sauce with grilled plantains or yams for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Peanut Sauce Benin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 12g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 20g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 6%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Peanut Sauce Benin is a rich and flavorful sauce that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Summary

Peanut Sauce Benin is a delicious and nutritious sauce that is perfect for serving with rice or other dishes. This rich and creamy sauce is made with peanut butter, tomato paste, hot pepper, and other seasonings, creating a unique and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Peanut Sauce Benin. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman living in a small village in West Africa. I had always loved cooking and learning new recipes, so when I heard about a traditional dish from Benin that was known for its rich and flavorful peanut sauce, I knew I had to try it.

I asked around the village to see if anyone knew how to make Peanut Sauce Benin, and eventually I was directed to an elderly woman named Mama Adama. She was a respected cook in the community, known for her delicious meals and generous spirit. When I asked her about the recipe, she smiled and invited me into her kitchen.

Mama Adama showed me how to make the sauce from scratch, starting with roasting the peanuts until they were golden and fragrant. She then ground them into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle, adding in aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, explaining that the key to a good peanut sauce was in the slow cooking process.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, Mama Adama shared stories of her own experiences in the kitchen. She told me about the different ingredients she had used over the years, and how she had adapted the recipe to suit her own tastes and preferences. I listened intently, soaking up all of her wisdom and knowledge.

After several hours of cooking and stirring, the Peanut Sauce Benin was finally ready. Mama Adama ladled it over a steaming bowl of rice and handed me a spoon. I took a hesitant bite, not knowing what to expect. But as soon as the flavors hit my tongue, I was hooked. The sauce was creamy and nutty, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Peanut Sauce Benin became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, sharing Mama Adama's recipe with anyone who was willing to listen. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to the kind woman who had taught me how to make it, and I was grateful for the opportunity to carry on her culinary legacy.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations along the way. I have experimented with different types of nuts and spices, adapting the sauce to suit my changing tastes and preferences. But no matter how many times I make it, the Peanut Sauce Benin will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Mama Adama's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and wisdom she passed down to me. I may have learned how to make Peanut Sauce Benin from her, but the true gift she gave me was a love for cooking and a passion for sharing delicious meals with others. And for that, I will always be grateful.