Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium Spanish onion , diced
5 tomatoes , seeded and chopped ( or 2 1/2 cups chopped canned tomatoes )
2 inches ginger , peeled and grated
3 garlic cloves , minced
1 serrano chili , seeds and ribs removed and finely chopped
2 cups water
1/4 cup brewed coffee
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
2 teaspoons berbere or 2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon coriander seed , roughly crushed
1/4 cup honey
West African barbecue sauce is a popular sauce from the West African region that is used to flavor grilled meat. It is a blend of authentic West African ingredients such as tamarind paste and berbere, a spice mix used in Ethiopia and Eritrea. This sauce is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meat and is perfect for barbecues and outdoor gatherings. It has a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe serves 6 people and takes around 50 minutes to make.

Instructions

1.Put a pot on medium heat and heat olive oil in it.
2.Add onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and Serrano chili, stir and cook for 10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3.Add water, brewed coffee, tamarind paste, berbere or chili powder, cumin, coriander, and honey, stir and increase heat.
4.Bring to boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5.Let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces to 2 cups of sauce.
6.Puree sauce in a blender or food processor or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.
7.Serve with grilled meat of your choice.

PROS

West African barbecue sauce is a unique and flavorful sauce that enhances the taste of grilled meat.

The tamarind paste and coffee provide a tangy and slightly bitter taste which is well balanced by the sweetness of honey.

It is easy to make at home and can be stored in the fridge for later use.

CONS

The sauce has a runny consistency and needs to be cooked for a while to thicken it enough to coat the meat.

The Serrano chili may be too spicy for some people.
It’s best to test the heat level before adding it to the sauce.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The West African barbecue sauce is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
Tamarind paste has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Coffee is also high in antioxidants and can boost metabolism and improve cognitive function.

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