Ajeen Recipe with Jamaican Chef Peanut Sauce
History:
Ajeen, also known as “ajin,” is a popular flatbread in many Middle Eastern and North African cuisines. While it may not have a direct connection to Jamaican cuisine, it’s worth noting that Jamaican cuisine is a fusion of various cultural influences, so you might find unique variations of flatbreads like ajeen in Jamaican cooking.
Components:
For the Ajeen:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare Ajeen with Peanut Sauce:
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Make the Ajeen Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture until you have a smooth and elastic dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1 hour, allowing it to rise.
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Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In a food processor, blend the roasted peanuts, garlic, and ginger until you have a coarse paste.
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Cook the Sauce:
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the curry powder and cayenne pepper, cooking for a minute to release their flavors.
- Add the peanut paste and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Roll and Cook Ajeen:
- After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll them into thin rounds or ovals (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook each Ajeen for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
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Serve:
- Serve the Ajeen warm with the peanut sauce drizzled over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Time Needed:
The preparation time for Ajeen with Jamaican Chef Peanut Sauce may vary, but it typically takes around 2 hours, including the time needed for the dough to rise. The actual cooking time is approximately 20-30 minutes.
Enjoy your fusion dish of Ajeen with Jamaican-inspired Peanut Sauce!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for the Ajeen Recipe with Jamaican Chef Peanut Sauce:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serving Size: 1 Ajeen with Peanut Sauce)
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: A serving of Ajeen with Jamaican Chef Peanut Sauce provides approximately 450 calories, which can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
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Good Source of Healthy Fats: The dish contains healthy fats primarily from peanuts and coconut milk. These fats are beneficial for overall health when consumed in moderation.
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Moderate Carbohydrates: Ajeen is a carbohydrate-rich bread, and the sauce adds a moderate amount of carbs. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy.
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Protein Content: The dish provides a reasonable amount of protein (12g per serving), which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Fiber: The meal contains some dietary fiber (4g per serving) which can aid in digestive health.
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Low Cholesterol: The recipe is naturally cholesterol-free, which is a heart-healthy feature.
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Sodium: The dish has a moderate sodium content (450mg per serving). Be mindful of sodium intake if you have dietary restrictions related to salt.
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Micronutrients: This dish may contain various vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and B vitamins, depending on the ingredients used.
Remember that actual nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so it’s essential to calculate the nutritional content based on the exact products you use. Additionally, the healthiness of the dish can be influenced by serving size and overall dietary choices.