Ndjoka Sauce
Ndjoka Sauce is a rich and flavorful stew from Cameroon, often made with beef or goat meat, simmered in a tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices and vegetables like bell peppers and onions. It's typically served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef or Goat Meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 500 ml Beef Broth or Water
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 tsp Curry Powder
- Salt(to taste)
- Black Pepper(to taste)
- 1 Optional: Scotch Bonnet Pepper(whole, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down.
- 6
Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in beef broth or water. Add thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper. If using, add the whole scotch bonnet pepper.
- 7
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
- 8
Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the meat overnight.
- ✓If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- Use chicken or fish instead of red meat.
- For a smoother sauce, blend some of the cooked vegetables before returning them to the pot.