Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce

Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce Recipe - Savory and Delicious Peanut Butter Sauce

Region / culture: Chad, Southern Chad | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of beef, onions, garlic, and tomato paste with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has its roots in the traditional cuisine of Chad, a country in Central Africa. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in Chadian cooking, and peanut sauce is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many in the region.

Ingredients

5 tbsp oil
2 lb (907 g) beef cubes, 1 inch or smaller, rolled in flour
0.5 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp chili powder
4 medium-sized onions, sliced
1 minced clove of garlic
0.75 cup tomato paste
6 cups water
red pepper to taste (optional)
0.5 cup peanut butter
3 – 6 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large heavy kettle.
Add beef cubes.
While they are browning, add the nutmeg and chili powder.
When the meat is browned, add the onions, garlic, tomato paste, water, and pepper.
Let it simmer until the meat is tender.
Thirty minutes before serving, heat the peanut butter and two tablespoons of oil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Slowly add the peanut butter mixture to the beef stew and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
Serve over rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or lamb for the beef cubes for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef cubes well before adding the other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.

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

- Be sure to simmer the stew until the meat is tender to ensure a delicious and tender final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce over cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef cubes before adding the other ingredients helps to develop the flavor of the dish.

- Simmering the stew slowly over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter for a different flavor.

- Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce in a large serving bowl with a side of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the flour used to thicken the sauce and the rice served as a base. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the oil used for cooking and the peanut butter. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the beef cubes. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

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

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of beef, onions, garlic, and tomato paste with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce. It was many years ago, during my travels through Africa, that I stumbled upon this delicious and unique dish. The flavors and aromas immediately captivated me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I had the fortune of meeting a kind Chadian woman named Adama who graciously invited me into her home to teach me how to cook this traditional dish. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warm scents of spices and cooking food, she began to share the secrets of her family's recipe.

Adama explained that the key to a good Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce lies in the ingredients. She showed me how to roast peanuts until they were golden brown and fragrant, then grind them into a smooth paste. The rich, nutty flavor of the peanuts would be the foundation of the sauce, she told me.

Next, Adama added in a medley of traditional African spices - cumin, coriander, and cardamom - along with fresh ginger and garlic. The combination of these ingredients created a complex and savory flavor profile that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As the sauce simmered on the stovetop, filling the kitchen with its irresistible aroma, Adama shared stories of her family and their love for this dish. She explained how it was a staple in their household, often served with fluffy white rice and tender grilled chicken.

I listened intently, soaking in every detail of the recipe and the history behind it. Adama's passion for cooking and her cultural heritage was palpable, and I felt privileged to be learning from her.

After several hours of cooking and stirring, the Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce was finally ready. Adama ladled it over a bed of steaming rice and garnished it with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions. The dish was a work of art, a symphony of flavors and colors that danced on my taste buds.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to Adama's kitchen in Chad. The rich, nutty sauce coated my tongue, while the spices added a subtle heat that lingered on my palate. It was a culinary revelation, a dish that spoke to the soul and captured the essence of Chadian cuisine.

I thanked Adama profusely for sharing her recipe with me, promising to carry on the tradition and make it for my own family and friends. She smiled warmly and embraced me, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Since that day, I have made Southern Chadian Peanut Sauce countless times, each batch a tribute to Adama and the culinary heritage she passed down to me. I have added my own twists and adaptations to the recipe, incorporating different vegetables and proteins to create new variations of the dish.

But no matter how I choose to prepare it, the essence of the sauce remains the same - a celebration of flavor, culture, and love. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to one another and to the world around us.

As I sit here, stirring a pot of bubbling Peanut Sauce on my own stove, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I can only hope that one day, someone else will feel the same sense of wonder and joy that I did when I first discovered this incredible recipe.