Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of cornmeal
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 2 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt and gradually add cornmeal while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes thick and elastic.
3. Remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
4. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
5. Add tomato paste, chili powder, and paprika to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add smooth peanut butter and 2 cups of water to the pan. Stir until the peanut butter is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
7. Bring the peanut sauce to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Season the peanut sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the banku with the peanut sauce on the side.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Banku: low heat
- Peanut sauce: medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cornmeal can be substituted with cassava flour or yam flour.
- Smooth peanut butter can be substituted with crunchy peanut butter.
- Tomato paste can be substituted with tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the peanut sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add cooked chicken or beef to the peanut sauce for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Stir the banku continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a blender or food processor to make the peanut sauce smoother.
- Adjust the amount of water in the peanut sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover banku and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the banku in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water to prevent it from drying out.
- Reheat the peanut sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the banku and peanut sauce in separate bowls.
- Garnish the peanut sauce with chopped peanuts or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Banku with peanut sauce pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fried plantains
- Steamed vegetables
- Coleslaw
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the banku is too dry, add a little bit of water while stirring.
- If the peanut sauce is too thick, add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the banku and peanut sauce thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Banku is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from fermented cornmeal or cassava flour.
- Peanut sauce is a popular condiment in West African cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Banku has a mild, slightly sour flavor.
- Peanut sauce has a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of spice.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve banku with peanut sauce as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Ghanaian