Pâte de Maïs avec Sauce aux Arachides
A staple dish in Benin, Pâte de Maïs is a dense cornmeal paste often served with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. This combination is hearty, satisfying, and a cornerstone of Beninese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Cornmeal (fine)
- 1 liter Water
- 250 g Peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 400 g Tomatoes (crushed)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger (grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 optional Stock cube
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the peanut sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in crushed tomatoes and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate.
- 4
Add peanut butter and stir until well combined. Gradually add water, about 2-3 cups, to reach desired sauce consistency. Add stock cube if using. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- 5
Season the peanut sauce with salt to taste. Keep warm.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as peanut butter can be salty. - 6
For the Pâte de Maïs: In a separate pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps.
💡 Tip: Start with a small amount of cornmeal to create a smooth paste, then add the rest. - 7
Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the paste is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
💡 Tip: This requires some effort; keep stirring to achieve a smooth texture. - 8
Serve the Pâte de Maïs hot, molded into portions, with the peanut sauce on the side or spooned over.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the cornmeal is fine for a smoother paste.
- ✓Constant stirring is key to avoid lumps and burning.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add shredded chicken or fish to the peanut sauce for a more complete meal.
- Serve with a side of steamed greens like spinach or collard greens.