African Tomato Sauce Recipe
This flavorful African Tomato Sauce, with its vibrant blend of spices and savory ingredients, is perfect for adding a rich depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you serve it with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a side of fried plantains, this sauce is sure to impress. Quick and easy to prepare, it takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to spice up your meals with minimal effort. Enjoy this low-protein, low-cholesterol recipe that brings bold African-inspired flavors straight to your table.
Recipe Details
| Name | African Tomato Sauce |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Category | Vegetable |
| Keywords | African, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, < 30 Mins |
| Yield | 1 cup |
| Servings | N/A |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 367.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 930.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 56.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 12.9 g |
| Sugar Content | 33 g |
| Protein Content | 10.6 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 | Onions (finely chopped) |
| 2 | Tablespoons of Tomato paste |
| 1 | Can of Tomatoes (crushed or chopped) |
| 3 | Bay leaves |
| 1 | Teaspoon of Nutmeg |
| N/A | Salt (to taste) |
| N/A | Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste) |
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions and setting them aside. If you are using canned tomatoes, crush or chop them to your desired consistency.
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Heat the Pan: Pour oil into a large frying pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or so.
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Fry the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
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Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and the crushed or chopped tomatoes. Mix well to combine the ingredients into a rich base.
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Season the Sauce: Add the bay leaves, nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
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Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water to achieve your preferred consistency. Stir the sauce occasionally as it cooks.
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Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg to suit your preference.
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Serve: Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors have melded together, it’s ready to serve. This African Tomato Sauce pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or meats. It also makes a wonderful topping for fried plantains or yams, enhancing their flavor with its savory and aromatic qualities.
Tips for Success
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
- Consistency: For a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture before serving. This is perfect if you prefer a more velvety texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage and reheat it as needed.
- Versatile Pairings: While this sauce is traditionally paired with grilled meats or vegetables, it can also be served as a dipping sauce for bread or used as a topping for rice dishes.
This African Tomato Sauce recipe brings the flavors of Africa to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking to add zest to your meals or introduce new tastes to your family, this recipe is simple, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Make it your go-to sauce for a variety of dishes!
