Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve the ballokume with the spicy tomato sauce.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: whole wheat flour
- Butter: coconut oil
- Buttermilk: almond milk
- Vegetable oil: olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar: apple cider vinegar
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper to the tomato sauce
- Substitute the oregano and basil with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the tomato sauce
Tips and Tricks:
- For a lighter ballokume, use less butter and more vegetable oil
- For a more flavorful tomato sauce, add 1/4 cup of white wine
Storage Instructions:
Store the ballokume in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the tomato sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the ballokume in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes. Reheat the tomato sauce in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the ballokume with a dollop of whipped cream
- Sprinkle the ballokume with powdered sugar
- Serve the tomato sauce over cooked pasta
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Crumbled feta cheese
Pairings:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled chicken
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the ballokume is too dry, add a bit more buttermilk
- If the ballokume is too moist, add a bit more flour
Food Safety Advice:
Be sure to store the ballokume and tomato sauce in airtight containers and consume within the recommended time frame.
Food History:
Ballokume is a traditional Albanian dessert that is usually served with a sweet syrup or honey.
Flavor Profiles:
The ballokume is sweet and slightly spiced, while the tomato sauce is savory and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the ballokume with a scoop of ice cream
- Drizzle the ballokume with honey or syrup
- Serve the tomato sauce over cooked rice
Related Categories
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Region: West African