Mabele Sauce
A rich and flavorful peanut butter-based sauce, often served with fufu or rice. Mabele sauce is a staple in many Cameroonian households, known for its comforting and hearty nature.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Peanut Butter(Natural, unsweetened)
- 500 g Beef or Chicken(Cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped or pureed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 4 cups Water or Broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using beef, boil it until tender. Drain and set aside the broth. If using chicken, you can brown it first or add it directly to the sauce later.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped or pureed tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing them to break down and form a base.
- 5
Add the peanut butter to the pot and stir well to combine with the tomato mixture. Gradually whisk in the water or reserved broth until the sauce is smooth and has your desired consistency.
- 6
Add the cooked beef or chicken pieces to the sauce. If using raw chicken, add it now and ensure it cooks through.
- 7
Add the finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- 8
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 9
Serve hot with fufu, boiled plantains, rice, or any other preferred accompaniment.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water or broth to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- ✓Don't skip the simmering time; it's crucial for developing the deep flavors.
- ✓If you don't have Scotch bonnet, a small piece of habanero or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used for heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add spinach or other leafy greens towards the end of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
- Incorporate smoked fish or dried shrimp for an extra layer of umami.
- Use different types of meat like goat or lamb.