Ibihahano (Burundian Sweet Potato and Peanut Mash)
Ibihahano is a comforting and nutritious dish made from mashed sweet potatoes and a rich peanut sauce. It's often served as a side dish or a light meal, showcasing the popular combination of sweet potatoes and peanuts in Burundian cuisine.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 150 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth or crunchy)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 200 ml Water(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2
While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the onions and garlic.
- 5
Simmer the peanut sauce for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- 6
Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the peanut sauce. Mash everything together until well combined and a thick, creamy consistency is achieved. Add more water if needed to reach desired texture.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of coconut milk to the peanut sauce.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred mash consistency.
- ✓This dish pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like cassava or yams along with sweet potatoes.