Sub-Saharan Africa / Sauces & condiments
N'gakasse (Groundnut Sauce)
N'gakasse is a delicious West African dish made with groundnuts (peanuts) as the main ingredient. This sauce is commonly enjoyed with rice, yams, plantains, or fufu.
Ingredients
- roasted peanuts2 cup
- vegetable oil or peanut oil2 tbsp
- onion, finely chopped1
- garlic, minced2 clove
- ginger, piece; grated1 inch
- tomato, chopped2
- bell pepper, diced1
- vegetable or chicken broth2 cup
- cayenne pepper, ground; adjust to taste1 tsp
- paprika, ground1 tsp
- ground coriander1 tsp
- salt
- cilantro or parsley, fresh; chopped; optional; for garnish
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 11 steps
If using raw peanuts, roast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
Remove the skins from the roasted peanuts by rubbing them together in a clean kitchen towel.
Place the roasted and peeled peanuts in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste consistency. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and diced bell pepper. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the blended groundnut paste to the pot, stirring well to combine it with the vegetables. Allow the mixture to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sprinkle in the ground cayenne pepper, ground paprika, ground coriander, and salt. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preference.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and stir to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Serve over cooked rice, yams, plantains, or fufu.
Region evidence: recipe text — “N'gakasse is a delicious West African dish”
