Recipes→Benin→Poisson Braisé à la Sauce Arachide

Poisson Braisé à la Sauce Arachide

Grilled or baked fish served with a rich and savory peanut sauce. This dish combines the smoky flavor of grilled fish with the creamy, nutty goodness of the sauce.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Poisson Braisé à la Sauce Arachide - Benin traditional dish

đź§‚ Ingredients

  • 2 medium Whole fish(e.g., tilapia, sea bream, cleaned and scaled)
  • 250 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(pureed)
  • 1 large Onions(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 400 ml Chicken or fish broth
  • 1 tbsp Crayfish(ground (optional))
  • 0.5 tsp Thyme(dried)
  • Salt(to taste)
  • Black pepper(to taste)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Score the fish deeply on both sides. Rub with salt, black pepper, half the garlic, ginger, and thyme. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Grill or bake the fish for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky. Baste with a little oil during cooking if desired.

  3. 3

    While the fish is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the remaining garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Stir in the tomato puree and ground crayfish (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the sauce darkens slightly.

  6. 6

    In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the chicken or fish broth until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the tomato base.

  7. 7

    Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and the oil has separated slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  8. 8

    Serve the grilled fish topped with the peanut sauce. This dish is often served with rice or boiled plantains.

đź’ˇ Pro Tips

  • âś“Ensure your peanut butter is unsweetened for the best flavor profile.
  • âś“If the peanut sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
  • âś“For a spicier sauce, leave some seeds in the scotch bonnet pepper.

🔄 Variations

  • Add some chopped bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for added texture and nutrients.
  • You can also use shrimp or chicken instead of fish.

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