Kanda ya Ngombe na Nyama ya Mbuta (Beef Meatballs in Peanut Sauce)
Tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich and savory peanut butter sauce, a comforting and popular dish in Central African Republic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Ground beef
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 50 g Pumpkin seeds(toasted and ground into powder)
- 1 large Egg(beaten)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 150 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
- 1.5 cups Water(or as needed)
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine ground beef, half of the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground pumpkin seeds, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pumpkin seeds are finely ground for a smoother texture. - 2
Heat palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring until the tomatoes start to break down.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and warm water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot along with the chili pepper (if using).
💡 Tip: Warming the water can help the peanut butter dissolve more easily. - 5
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Ensure they are submerged in the sauce.
💡 Tip: Add more water if the sauce becomes too thick. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 50-60 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir gently occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with rice or fufu.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and flavorful.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ground pumpkin seeds add a unique texture and nutty flavor. If unavailable, you can omit them, but the texture will be different.
- ✓This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- ✓Ensure you use unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor balance.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped okra to the sauce for extra thickness and flavor.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef.