Sope Baye Agneau
A rich and savory lamb stew featuring the unique flavor of baobab fruit (baye) and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish showcases traditional Senegalese ingredients and slow-cooking techniques for tender lamb and a deeply flavored sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp Baobab powder (baye)(or 1/4 cup baobab pulp, rehydrated)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 large Sweet pepper (Bell pepper)(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 200 g Okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter(smooth)
- 75 ml Vegetable oil
- 2 optional Bouillon cubes
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(optional)
- as needed Water or broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season lamb cubes with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes in batches until well-seared on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chili flakes (if using). Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
- 4
Return the seared lamb to the pot. Add the baobab powder (or rehydrated pulp) and peanut butter. Stir well to combine. Add bouillon cubes (if using).
- 5
Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the lamb. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Add the chopped sweet pepper, sliced carrots, and okra to the stew. Stir gently. If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or broth. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: The okra will help thicken the sauce naturally. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The baobab should impart a pleasant tanginess.
- 8
Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by white rice, millet couscous (thieb guers), or fonio.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the lamb is well-browned for maximum flavor.
- ✓Baobab powder can be quite tart; adjust the amount to your preference.
- ✓Slow and low cooking is essential for tender lamb.
- ✓If you can't find baobab powder, some African specialty stores might carry it, or you can order it online.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes or yams.
- Incorporate dried fish or shrimp for an extra layer of umami.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute lamb with firm tofu or large chunks of plantain and adjust cooking times.