Ndjaka ya Ngulu (Smoked Pork with Peanut Sauce)
A flavorful dish featuring smoked pork simmered in a rich and savory peanut sauce. This recipe showcases the importance of peanuts in Central African cuisine, providing a creamy and nutty base for the sauce, complemented by aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Smoked pork(cut into 1-inch cubes (can substitute with regular pork shoulder))
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(fresh, grated)
- 1 cup Unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 cups Chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped, or to taste (optional))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Spinach or other greens(fresh, chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using regular pork shoulder, brown the cubes in palm oil or vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove pork and set aside. If using pre-smoked pork, you can skip this step or lightly brown it.
💡 Tip: This step helps to render fat and build flavor. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth (or water), diced tomatoes, chili pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is well combined to avoid lumps. - 5
Pour the peanut sauce mixture into the pot with the onions. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water. - 6
Return the pork to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
If using spinach or other greens, stir them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- 8
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with rice, fufu, or boiled plantains.
💡 Tip: This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using pre-smoked pork will add a deeper flavor dimension to the dish.
- ✓The consistency of the sauce can be adjusted by adding more or less liquid.
- ✓A touch of lemon juice can be added at the end for brightness.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute chicken or beef for pork.
- Add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or cassava.
- Incorporate a bay leaf for added aroma during simmering.