Groundnuts are common among East African people. Well, nothing beats the taste of the famous Ugandan groundnut sauce. Thankfully, This sauce is also common among the people of the Lake region of Kenya. I must also mention that it’s a staple in Uganda, though.
Groundnut sauce is versatile; you can use it as a base sauce for meat, fish, veggies, or sweet potatoes. I like the rich flavors that it adds to the different foods we cook with.
I first ate smoked fish in groundnut sauce while visiting Kampala, and since then, I’ve been hooked. Nonetheless, my mom used to like cooking the cowpea leaves in groundnut sauce. And, of course, that’s where I learned how to make it.
Groundnut sauce recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2kg roasted groundnuts
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Ginger and garlic (optional)
- Cayenne
- Salt
- Water.
Method
First, remove the ground peels, ensuring they’re nicely roasted and not burnt since that will make them taste burnt. If you are, using fresh groundnuts, you can roast them now. My favorite way is to roast in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Use your blender or food processor to grind your groundnuts until all the chunks are gone. Remember to grind it in batches. Notice, though, that it will be sticky, almost like the batter. It won’t be in powder form because you use water, and it will form a buttery paste.
Set it aside as you heat your water.
Meanwhile, chop your veggies and set them aside.
Add the hot water to the blended mixture as you stir to form a paste-like consistency. We use hot water because it makes the groundnut chunk break faster. Just keep stirring to get it right.
You can start the preparation process when it reaches the batter-like consistency.
So set the paste in a saucepan and onto the gas stove for cooking. But we will only simmer the mixture, not cook it under high heat.
Next, add the chopped onions and tomatoes to the sauce. Add the ginger and garlic paste to cook a little more if you like. Just remember you need to let it cook under slow heat.
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 30mins to 45mins. Just remember to check the veggies to ensure they soften enough. Keep stirring to ensure it doesn’t stick on the saucepan’s surface.
Add salt to the sauce to enrich the flavor. If you like to add spices like cayenne, pepper garam, and whatever else you can add. I want to make mine simple, though.
If you notice that it’s thicker than you would like, then you can add hot water to make it nicely lighter. I want to reach for the pancake batter consistency, but you can make it thicker or lighter than that.
Check for the oil forming when cooking because it tells you it’s cooked. There’s always some oil layer on the sides of the saucepan.
Just remember not to undercook it because you may develop stomach upset too.
Serve it with your favorite meats, smoked or dried fish, sweet potatoes, boiled matoke, or any other meal you choose. If you like, you can also garnish it with cilantro and serve.
A video on how to make groundnut sauce
@edelquinn23 Amazing groundnut sauce. #eastafrican ♬ original sound – Edel
Why eat and incorporate the groundnut sauce into your meal
It’s unique
Note that the sauce will add a nutty flavor to your meal, so if you choose to cook it with fish, you can expect a creamy and nutty flavor. You have to try the fish; we mostly use it with ours.
It’s versatile
You can use it with the different foods. Sometimes we make the sauce and eat it with sweet potatoes but other times, we use it alongside the extra veggies and meats.
It’s easy to make
Once you learn how to make it, you will like that it’s one of the easiest recipes to enjoy. You will always get it right if you already have roasted groundnuts.
It’s healthy
Many health benefits come with eating this sauce. You will enjoy the great fats that come with the flavor of the nut.
You can comfortably add the different spices of your choice.
Ugandan groundnut sauce is a versatile sauce you can use in different ways. The other spices will make it match your taste buds. Generally, groundnuts have a rich nutty flavor, so you don’t always need too many spices.
Note
Remember to cook the groundnut sauce at lower heat. Allow it to simmer, and keep stirring to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
The thickness of the sauce depends on what you like. But ensure you have a thickness not less than the porridge things.
This famous Ugandan groundnut sauce is making its way to most of our houses here; for a reason, it’s outrightly delicious. I call on you to try it today and see how great it is.