International > African > Sauces

African Peanut Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large saucepan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute.

3. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

5. While the sauce is simmering, place the unsalted peanuts in a blender or food processor and pulse until they are finely ground.

6. Add the ground peanuts to the saucepan and stir to combine.

7. Let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
Makes about 2 cups of sauce, serving size varies

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat: 11g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 300mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger instead.
- You can use diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for a protein boost.
- Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of ground peanuts for a different flavor.
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes to the sauce for extra nutrition.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it's simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storage instructions:
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sauce over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or bread.

Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or chopped tomatoes.

Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with grilled chicken, tofu, or vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Steamed vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it's safe to eat.

Food history:
African peanut sauce is a traditional dish in West African cuisine. It's also known as groundnut stew or maafe.

Flavor profiles:
This sauce has a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the sauce over rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or bread.

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Region: West African

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Nutty, Sweet, Savory, nutty, spicy, tangy, rich