Lunches
Riz Sauce Arachide
Ingredients
- - 300g (1 1/2 cups) white rice
- - 150g (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) smooth natural peanut butter
- - 300g (10 oz) chicken thighs or beef chunks
- - 1 onion, chopped
- - 2 tomatoes, chopped
- - 1 tbsp tomato paste
- - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- - 500ml (2 cups) water or stock
- - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- - 1/2 tsp chilli powder (optional)
- - 1 handful chopped cabbage or spinach
Method
- Cook the rice according to packet instructions and keep warm.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan and brown the meat on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the water or stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 25 minutes until the meat is tender.
- Spoon a little of the hot liquid into the peanut butter and stir until smooth, then pour this back into the pot.
- Add the salt and chilli powder, and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the peanut sauce from catching on the bottom.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage or spinach and cook for a final 3-4 minutes until wilted.
- Serve the sauce ladled generously over the warm rice.
Introduction: This peanut sauce over rice reflects the Sahel's deep reliance on groundnuts, grown widely across southern Chad.
Cultural Background: This peanut sauce over rice reflects the Sahel's deep reliance on groundnuts, grown widely across southern Chad. Rich, nutty and satisfying, it is a common midday meal in both city households and roadside eateries, often prepared with whatever meat or vegetables are on hand.
Tips: Stir the sauce often once the peanut butter is added, as it can stick and burn easily. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of hot water.
Variations: Dried fish or smoked fish can be used instead of chicken or beef. Some cooks add a spoonful of ground egusi (melon seeds) alongside the peanut butter for extra body. Replace meat with chickpeas or extra vegetables and use vegetable stock; sauce remains authentic.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of water to restore the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition: Approx. 560 kcal, 28g protein, 62g carbohydrate, 22g fat per serving (based on 4 servings).
FAQs
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Smooth is traditional and gives the sauce its characteristic texture, but crunchy can be used for a more rustic bite.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: It is mild by default; the chilli powder is optional and can be adjusted to taste.