Benin Spicy Peanut Sauce is a beloved staple in West African cuisine, renowned for its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors. This sauce, commonly used as a dip or accompaniment, blends roasted peanuts with a harmonious mix of spices and chili peppers to create a uniquely sweet and spicy profile.

Originating from the culinary traditions of Benin and neighboring West African countries, this sauce reflects the region's emphasis on robust flavors and nutritious ingredients. Peanuts, a primary ingredient, are roasted and ground to a fine powder, enhancing the sauce's nutty essence. The addition of coriander, cumin, and smoked paprika layers complexity, while fresh tomatoes and chili peppers provide freshness and heat.

Here's a step-by-step method for making Benin Spicy Peanut Sauce:

Ingredients:

1- 1 cup roasted peanuts

2- 1 tablespoon peanut oil

3- 1 onion, chopped

4- 2 garlic cloves, minced

5- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

6- 2 tomatoes, chopped

7- 2-3 fresh chili peppers, chopped

8- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

9- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

10- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

11- 1/2 teaspoon salt

12- 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1- In a food processor, grind the roasted peanuts until they form a fine powder. Set aside.

2- In a saucepan, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook until the onions are translucent.

3- Add the chopped tomatoes and chili peppers to the saucepan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.

4- Add the ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt to the saucepan. Mix well.

5- Add the ground peanuts and water to the saucepan. Stir until well combined.

6- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

7- Serve the Benin Spicy Peanut Sauce as a dip or sauce for your favorite dishes.

Notes:

1- You can adjust the heat level of the sauce by adding more or less chili peppers.

2- If you don't have roasted peanuts, you can roast raw peanuts in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

1. 1 cup roasted peanuts:

  - Calories: Approximately 828 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 24 grams

  - Protein: Around 38 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 72 grams

  - Sodium: 12 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamin E, niacin, magnesium, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefits: Provides heart-healthy fats, protein for muscle repair, and essential minerals for overall health.

2. 1 tablespoon peanut oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 119 calories

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 14 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin E

  - Nutritional Benefits: Source of monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health and vitamin absorption.

3. 1 onion, chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 44 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 10 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 4 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Low in calories, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

4. 2 garlic cloves, minced:

  - Calories: Approximately 8 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 2 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.4 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefits: Known for immune-boosting properties and potential cardiovascular benefits.

5. 1 teaspoon grated ginger:

  - Calories: Approximately 2 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.5 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.1 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, and supports immune function.

6. 2 tomatoes, chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 32 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 7 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 4 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which may benefit heart health.

7. 2-3 fresh chili peppers, chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 18 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 3 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: High in vitamin C and vitamin A

  - Nutritional Benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may aid metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

8. 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander:

  - Calories: Approximately 4 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.8 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.2 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Adds flavor and may have digestive benefits.

9. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin:

  - Calories: Approximately 4 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.6 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.2 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 1 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Known for aiding digestion and adding a distinctive flavor to dishes.

10. 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:

  - Calories: Approximately 3 calories

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.6 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.1 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 mg

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefits: Adds smoky flavor and may have antioxidant properties.

11. 1/2 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Approximately 1160 mg (varies by type and brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains sodium, essential for electrolyte balance

  - Nutritional Benefits: Enhances flavor; moderation is key due to high sodium content.

12. 1/4 cup water:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies depending on source

  - Cholesterol: 0 mg

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None significant

  - Nutritional Benefits: Essential for cooking and helps to blend flavors without adding calories or other nutrients.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.

Benin Spicy Peanut Sauce is a delicious and healthy sauce that is perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to your meals. It is high in protein and fiber, and low in sodium and carbohydrates, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat a balanced and nutritious diet.