| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 367 | 27g | 8g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 5g | 15g | 0.5g |
There is something deeply rewarding about the art of compiling diverse ingredients into a harmonious whole; creating something that is more than the sum of its parts. It’s exactly what I do every time I prepare the “Gnetum in Peanut Sauce”, a wonderful tribute to the vegetable goodness and rich, nutty allure of African gastronomy. This recipe fascinates me not only with its taste but also the adventure it brings, the exploration of yet another cuisine, and the cultural wisdom it holds.
A Culinary Journey Beyond The Familiar
In my culinary experiments, I’ve always been guided by the spirit of adventure. How I relish the opportunity to venture beyond classic Montana fare, past the bison burgers and huckleberry pies that I love so much, to taste something new. This recipe, featuring Gnetum – a plant indigenous to Africa – irresistibly drew me in with its cultural richness and health benefits.
Though I’ve always cherished the delicious simplicity and heartiness of my Montana cuisine, this African dish captivated me. It reminded me of the hearty stews of my home, but with its own unique, delectable twist.
Health-Full and Flavor-Full
The health benefits provided by Gnetum are impressive. Packed full of antioxidants, it helps to protect against oxidative stress. Not to mention that this plant, also known as African jointfir, is a good source of dietary fibre, helping to maintain healthy digestion whilst keeping hunger at bay.
The addition of the homemade peanut sauce, a decadent blend of nuttiness, sweet tomato, and vibrant spices, further enhances the health benefits of the dish. The cancer-fighting potential of tomatoes and the heart protective properties of nuts come together in this healthy, savory concoction that makes your taste buds dance with excitement, without compromising your well-being.
Rich, Hearty, and Utterly Satisfying
Gnetum in Peanut Sauce has the comforting familiarity of stew, but with a twist. Its unique flavor profile makes it an exceptional stand-alone meal but it works equally well as a rich side dish to roasted meats or baked fish, creating a balance of textures and tastes on your plate.
The subtle heat of the Scotch Bonnet peppers, mixed with the homey warmth of ginger, garlic and onion, makes this dish not only a feast for the senses, but also something that warms your soul. It’s what brings me back to this recipe time and time again and what I hope will captivate you about it too.
Whether you’re a culinary explorer at heart or someone looking for a nutritious change, I invite you to try this recipe for Gnetum in Peanut Sauce. I believe, like me, you too will be captivated by its hearty, warming character and the delightful and wholesome adventure it offers.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of Gnetum (African jointfir)
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (or to taste), chopped
- 1 cup Tomato, chopped
- 1 cup of Vegetable Broth
- 2 tablespoons Palm Oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
Method
Step One
Start off by preparing all ingredients. Rinse the Gnetum leaves and chop into smaller pieces if it’s necessary. Also mince your garlic, grate the ginger, chop the onions, Scotch bonnet peppers, and tomatoes.
Step Two
Then in a large pot, heat up the palm oil over medium heat. Once oil is heated, add in chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook these until onions are translucent and the mixture is aromatic.
Step Three
Add the chopped Scotch bonnet peppers to the pot. If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can decrease the amount of peppers added. Continuously stir to allow even cooking.
Step Four
Now, add the tomatoes into the mixture. Cook this until the tomatoes start to break down and blend in with rest of the ingredients, forming a sort of base for the sauce.
Step Five
Now, add the peanut butter into the pot. Stir frequently to ensure that the peanut butter mixes in well with the other ingredients. The heat will cause the peanut butter to soften and easier to mix.
Step Six
At this point, add in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps forming. Let this simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to merge.
Step Seven
Add your Gnetum leaves into the pot. Stir until well mixed and continue to simmer. At this point, you can add in your salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as per your preference.
Step Eight
Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the Gnetum leaves become soft enough to your liking. Ensure to stir occasionally and thoroughly to prevent sticking and burning.
Step Nine
Once done, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool a bit before serving. Your Gnetum in Peanut Sauce is now ready to be enjoyed!
