Savory African Tomato Stew
This Savory African Tomato Stew brings a vibrant taste of African cuisine right to your kitchen. Made with rich tomatoes, fragrant spices, and sautéed onions, this sauce serves as a versatile base for various dishes. Perfectly complement grilled or roasted meats, fish, or vegetables, and enjoy the depth of flavor that can transform an everyday meal into something extraordinary. Easy to prepare and packed with goodness, this sauce is a fantastic way to explore the delightful world of African cooking.
1
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
3 teaspoons (for frying (palm oil is most authentic))
onions
2 medium (finely chopped)
tomato paste
1 (4 ounce) can
tomatoes
3 (chopped and mashed)
bay leaf
1
nutmeg
(grated, to taste)
salt
(to taste)
cayenne pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, mixing well to combine.
4
Add the bay leaf, grated nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
5
Pour in enough water to achieve your desired sauce consistency, stirring until smooth.
6
Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before removing the bay leaf.
8
Serve hot alongside grilled or roasted chicken, fish, meats, or with a side of fried plantains or yams for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
14g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory African Tomato Stew?
It is a vibrant, spice-infused sauce made with tomatoes and onions that serves as a versatile base for many African-style dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Savory African Tomato Stew is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
Is this tomato stew vegan?
Yes, the ingredients listed are plant-based, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
While any cooking oil works, palm oil is mentioned as the most authentic choice for this African stew.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this stew contains 150 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this stew have?
This recipe contains 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the Savory African Tomato Stew?
The stew provides 3 grams of protein per serving.
How long do I need to sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 fresh tomatoes that are chopped and mashed.
Do I need to use tomato paste?
Yes, the recipe requires one 4-ounce can of tomato paste to add richness and depth.
What spices are used in this stew?
The spice profile includes a bay leaf, grated nutmeg, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it includes cayenne pepper and is tagged as spicy, though you can adjust the heat to your preference.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a slow boil, let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, the instructions recommend removing the bay leaf after simmering and before serving.
What can I serve with African Tomato Stew?
It pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted chicken, fish, meats, fried plantains, or yams.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 2 medium onions, finely chopped.
How do I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
You can pour in water gradually until you reach your desired sauce thickness.
Can I use ground nutmeg?
The recipe suggests freshly grated nutmeg to taste for the best flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 serving.
What is the preparation method for the tomatoes?
The fresh tomatoes should be both chopped and mashed before being added to the pan.
What category of food is this?
It is classified as a sauce, stew, and side dish within African cuisine.
Can I use this as a base for other ingredients?
Absolutely; it is described as a versatile base that can complement vegetables, fish, or meats.
What heat setting should I use for frying the onions?
You should use medium heat to sauté the onions until they are shimmering.
How much tomato paste is required?
One 4-ounce can of tomato paste is needed.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to taste to enhance the savory flavors.
Is this a good dish for grilling season?
Yes, it is tagged for grilling as it makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled proteins.
Can I substitute the cayenne pepper?
If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of cayenne or substitute it with a milder pepper powder.
How do I know when the stew is finished?
The stew is ready after simmering for 10 minutes and when the flavors have melded to your satisfaction.