How to Make Rice Sauce in Nigeria

Rice sauce is a delicious and flavourful Nigerian dish that is often served with rice, yams, or plantains. There are many different variations of rice sauce, but the most common ingredients include tomatoes, onions, peppers, and various spices. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at how to make rice sauce in Nigeria, step-by-step.

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of ginger
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of chicken or beef broth

Instructions

1. Start by washing and chopping the tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion into small pieces. Crush the garlic and ginger using a mortar and pestle until it becomes a paste.
2. Heat up a large pot or frying pan over medium heat, and add the vegetable oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent.
4. Add the garlic and ginger paste to the pot and stir it in for about 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and peppers to the pot, and stir them in with the other ingredients.
6. Cook the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
7. Add the tomato paste, thyme, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
9. Serve hot with rice, yams or plantains.

Tips and Tricks

• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato and pepper mixture before adding it to the pot.
• You can also add your preferred protein to the sauce such as chicken, beef, or shrimp.
• To make the sauce spicier, you can add some scotch bonnet peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Conclusion

Making rice sauce in Nigeria is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. With the right spices and techniques, you can make a delicious and flavourful sauce that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a milder or spicier sauce, you can adjust the recipe to your liking and experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic Nigerian dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
A: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain the liquid before adding them to the pot.

Q: How long can I store rice sauce in the fridge?
A: Rice sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth?
A: Yes, you can use any type of broth or stock that you prefer.

Q: Can I freeze rice sauce?
A: Yes, rice sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I use other spices instead of thyme and curry powder?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavour profile. Some popular options include cumin, paprika, and turmeric.