Sauce Pimente for Aloco

Ivory Coast Sauce Pimente for Aloco Recipe

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

Introduction

Sauce Pimente is a spicy and flavorful sauce that is commonly served with Aloco, a popular dish in West Africa. This sauce adds a delicious kick to the dish and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

Sauce Pimente has its origins in West Africa, where it is a staple condiment in many households. The combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and hot peppers creates a bold and zesty flavor that complements the starchy Aloco perfectly.

Ingredients

tomatoes
diced onion
crushed garlic
diced hot peppers
peeled and cut eggplant
chicken bouillon
salt
oil

How to prepare

In a medium pot, fry the onions with a generous amount of oil.
While they are browning, pour a bowl full of water and squish the tomatoes into the water to make a juice.
Let the tomato mixture sit for a while.
Add garlic to the onions.
When the onions are opaque and slightly brown, pour the tomato water into the pot.
Add eggplant, hot peppers, and bouillon to taste.
Boil until the eggplant is soft enough to smash and most of the water has boiled off.
Smash the mixture with a fork or puree it in a food processor.
The finished product should have a consistency similar to applesauce.
If it is too thin, boil off more water.
Add salt to taste.
If a more tomatoey sauce is desired, add about one to two tablespoons of tomato paste.

Variations

Add bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
Use different types of hot peppers for varying levels of heat.
Include ginger or turmeric for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the onions well to develop a rich flavor base for the sauce.

- Adjust the amount of hot peppers to suit your spice tolerance.

- For a smoother sauce, puree the mixture in a food processor.

- Add tomato paste for a more intense tomato flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sauce Pimente with Aloco, fried plantains, or grilled meats for a delicious and spicy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the onions adds a rich flavor to the sauce.

- Boiling the mixture helps to soften the vegetables and blend the flavors together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute olive oil for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Sauce Pimente can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sauce Pimente in a small bowl or ramekin alongside your main dish for a colorful and flavorful garnish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sauce Pimente with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sauce Pimente in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sauce Pimente contains approximately 80 calories, making it a light and flavorful addition to your meal.

Carbohydrates

Sauce Pimente is a low-carb sauce, with most of its carbohydrates coming from the tomatoes and onions.

Fats

The oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the sauce, providing essential nutrients for your body.

Proteins

This sauce is not a significant source of protein, but you can pair it with protein-rich dishes to create a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Sauce Pimente is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the recipe, such as vitamin C from the tomatoes and onions.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to the ingredients used.

Summary

Sauce Pimente is a nutritious and flavorful sauce that can enhance the taste of your dishes without adding excessive calories or unhealthy ingredients.

Summary

Sauce Pimente is a versatile and delicious sauce that can elevate any dish with its bold flavors and spicy kick. Try this recipe with Aloco or your favorite dishes for a taste of West African cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sauce Pimente for Aloco. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in my small village in Africa. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had learned this recipe from a traveler who passed through our village.

The traveler, a tall and mysterious man from a distant land, had shared stories of his travels and the different cuisines he had encountered along the way. My grandmother, always eager to learn new recipes and techniques, had invited him into our home and asked him to teach her one of his favorite recipes. And that is how we came to learn about Sauce Pimente for Aloco.

The recipe itself was quite simple, but the flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was a spicy and tangy sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of hot peppers. The sauce was meant to be served over Aloco, a popular dish made with fried plantains.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother chopped the vegetables and simmered them in a large pot, the aroma filling our tiny kitchen. The traveler had shown her how to balance the flavors, adding just the right amount of heat and acidity to create a truly unforgettable sauce.

As the sauce bubbled away on the stove, the traveler told us stories of his adventures and the people he had met along the way. He spoke of exotic spices and unique cooking techniques, sparking a passion for culinary exploration in my young heart.

When the Sauce Pimente was finally ready, my grandmother served it over a platter of golden-brown Aloco, the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. The flavors exploded in my mouth, sending my taste buds into a frenzy. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household for years to come.

Over the years, I have made the Sauce Pimente for Aloco countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, passing down the tradition of this delicious dish from generation to generation.

As I sit here now, a grandmother myself, I am filled with gratitude for that traveler who passed through our village all those years ago. His simple recipe has brought joy and warmth to my family for decades, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little culinary adventure, I urge you to try making Sauce Pimente for Aloco. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe on to someone else, just as I have done. Food truly is a gift that keeps on giving.