Sauce Legume
Sauce Legume Recipe from Benin - Authentic and Delicious
Introduction
Sauce Legume is a traditional Haitian dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This delicious sauce is made with collard greens, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main dish, and pairs well with rice, plantains, or bread.
History
Sauce Legume has been a staple in Haitian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often made for special occasions and family gatherings. The recipe has been passed down through families, with each cook adding their own unique twist to the dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of oil
- garlic
- 0.5 onion
- 1 small tomato (or 2 tbsp of tomato paste)
- 1 tsp of piment
- 1.5 cups of collard greens
- or sauce
- 1 bullion cube
- 2 cups of water
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, sauté the onions, piment, garlic, and tomato paste in oil for a few minutes.
- Add water, bullion cube, and sauce to the saucepan.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Add collard greens to the saucepan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Variations
- Add some diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor.
- Use spinach or kale instead of collard greens for a different twist on the dish.
- Add some cooked beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to sauté the onions, garlic, and spices in oil before adding the water and sauce. This will help to release the flavors and create a rich base for the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of piment (hot pepper) to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like your sauce.
- Be sure to cook the collard greens until they are tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking them can result in a mushy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sauce Legume over a bed of rice, with a side of fried plantains, or with a slice of crusty bread.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find collard greens, you can use spinach, kale, or Swiss chard instead.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Substitute scotch bonnet peppers for piment for a spicier sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
Sauce Legume can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the sauce with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Sauce Legume pairs well with rice, plantains, bread, or even served over pasta for a hearty 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 before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Sauce Legume contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Sauce Legume is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
This dish is relatively low in fat, with approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.
Proteins
Sauce Legume is a good source of protein, with approximately 4 grams per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron from the collard greens.
Alergens
This dish is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities.
Summary
Sauce Legume is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in carbs and fats, but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Sauce Legume is a delicious and nutritious Haitian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was given to me by a dear friend who had learned to make it from her own grandmother. The recipe for Sauce Legume was a cherished family secret, passed down through generations. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making it myself.
As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I realized that this dish was more than just a simple sauce. It was a labor of love, requiring time and patience to prepare. But I was determined to master it, to make it my own.
I started by gathering all the fresh vegetables needed for the sauce - tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. I carefully chopped them into small pieces, taking care to make each one uniform in size. This, I knew, was crucial to ensuring that the sauce would cook evenly and develop the right consistency.
Next, I heated some olive oil in a large pot and added the chopped vegetables. The sizzle of the vegetables hitting the hot oil filled the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. I stirred them gently, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices.
Once the vegetables were tender, I added in some tomato paste, a touch of sugar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
As the sauce cooked, I could see it transforming before my eyes. The colors deepened, the flavors melded together, and the aroma grew richer and more complex. I knew that this was going to be something special.
After a few hours of simmering, the sauce had thickened to just the right consistency. I tasted it, adjusting the seasonings as needed. It was perfect - tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. I couldn't wait to serve it over a steaming bowl of pasta.
I boiled some spaghetti until it was al dente, then drained it and tossed it with a generous ladleful of the Sauce Legume. I sprinkled it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley.
As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my friend's kitchen, where I had first tasted this delicious dish. The flavors were familiar yet new, comforting yet exciting. I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again for my family and friends.
And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I thanked my friend for sharing her family's recipe with me. I knew that I would always cherish the memories of making Sauce Legume, and that it would forever hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Beninese Recipes | Beninese Snacks | Collard Greens Recipes | Collard Greens Side Dish Recipes | Fish Recipes |