Tomato and Peanut Relish

Tomato and Peanut Relish Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Malawi, South Africa, Zambia

Region / culture: Malawi, South Africa, Zambia | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tomato and Peanut Relish is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. The combination of sweet tomatoes and nutty peanuts creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its origins in African cuisine, where peanuts are a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of tomatoes and peanuts creates a rich and savory relish that is often served alongside staple foods like nshima or rice.

Ingredients

1 sliced onion
0.5 lb / 225 g chopped tomatoes
1 cup / 125 g ground peanuts
0.5 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oil
salt

How to prepare

First, heat the oil and sauté the onion until it becomes soft.
Next, add the tomatoes and cook them until they start to break down.
Then, incorporate the ground peanuts and stir until well combined.
Sprinkle the chili powder, pour in the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
Continue cooking, adding water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Finally, serve with nshima or rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat.
Mix in some chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh herb flavor.
Use almond or cashew butter instead of ground peanuts for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in this recipe.

- Ground peanuts can be made by pulsing roasted peanuts in a food processor until finely ground.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- Add a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist to the relish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tomato and Peanut Relish with nshima, rice, grilled meats, or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions until they are caramelized for added sweetness.

- Simmer the tomatoes and peanuts together for a longer period of time to develop deeper flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of ground peanuts for a nut-free version.

- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato and Peanut Relish can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tomato and Peanut Relish in a small bowl garnished with chopped peanuts and a sprinkle of chili powder for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tomato and Peanut Relish with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tomato and Peanut Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato and Peanut Relish contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato and Peanut Relish contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato and Peanut Relish contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato and Peanut Relish contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato and Peanut Relish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Tomato and Peanut Relish is a nutritious condiment that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tomato and Peanut Relish is a delicious and nutritious condiment that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen preparing a meal for our family. The aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, and I was mesmerized by the delicious smells wafting from the stove.

As I sat at the kitchen table, I watched as my grandmother carefully sliced ripe red tomatoes and chopped fresh green peppers. She added a handful of roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of salt, then mixed it all together with a tangy vinaigrette made from vinegar, oil, and a hint of sugar. The colors and textures of the ingredients danced before my eyes, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

As the relish simmered on the stove, my grandmother told me the story of how she had learned to make it. She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to Africa many years ago. There, they had encountered a local dish that combined the rich flavors of tomatoes and peanuts in a unique and delicious way.

My grandmother had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own twist with the addition of peppers and a few secret spices. She had also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who had all raved about its savory and tangy taste. And now, she was passing it on to me, her eager young granddaughter, so that I could carry on the tradition of making this special dish for my own family someday.

As the relish finished cooking, my grandmother ladled it into a small bowl and placed it on the table next to a plate of warm cornbread. I eagerly scooped up a spoonful and took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the peanuts, and the kick of the peppers all blended together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Tomato and Peanut Relish became a staple in our family's kitchen. It was served at every special occasion, from holidays to birthdays to Sunday dinners. And each time I made it, I would think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first learned the recipe and felt a connection to my family's culinary heritage.

As the years passed, I continued to make the relish for my own family, adapting the recipe slightly to suit our tastes and preferences. I experimented with different types of tomatoes, added extra spices, and even tried using roasted almonds instead of peanuts. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the core flavors remained the same, reminding me of my grandmother and the love and care she had put into teaching me how to make this special dish.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Tomato and Peanut Relish for a family gathering, I can't help but smile as I remember that first time I saw the recipe and how it has become a cherished part of our family's culinary tradition. And as I take a taste of the relish, I know that my grandmother's spirit lives on in every bite, connecting me to the past while creating new memories for the future.