Djabadji/Nandji (Onion Sauce)
Djabadji, also known as Nandji, is a classic Malian red sauce characterized by its rich onion base. It's a versatile dish that can be made with various meats and vegetables, served with rice, couscous, or fonio.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef or Mutton(cut into pieces)
- 1 kg Shallots(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(puréed)
- 2 Tbs Tomato paste
- 4 Tbs Vegetable oil
- 3 Tbs Toasted onion powder (djaba yirané)
- 10 g Dried fish powder
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 Bell pepper(puréed with garlic and parsley)
- Parsley(chopped)
- 1 Tbs Okra powder (optional)(for thickening)
- 2 liters Water
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- Vegetables of choice(e.g., carrots, potatoes, cabbage)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat, salt, pepper, and the minced garlic, bell pepper, and parsley mixture. Brown the meat well on all sides.
- 2
Add the chopped shallots, puréed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for a few minutes until well combined.
- 3
Pour in the water. Add the toasted onion powder and dried fish powder. Add your chosen vegetables.
💡 Tip: If using okra powder, you can add it now or later to thicken. - 4
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
- 5
If the sauce is too thin, stir in the okra powder (or cornstarch slurry) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- 6
Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rice, couscous, or fonio.
💡 Tip: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or mushrooms instead of meat, or add fish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toasted onion powder (djaba yirané) is key for authentic flavor; it can sometimes be found in specialty African stores.
- ✓If okra powder is unavailable, a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) can be used as a thickener.
- ✓The dried fish powder adds a unique umami depth; omit if unavailable or substitute with a pinch of fish sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add chicken or fish instead of red meat.
- Incorporate a variety of vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or cabbage.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper along with the other aromatics.