How to Prepare Rice Sauce in Nigeria

Rice is a staple food in Nigeria, and it is often accompanied by a variety of sauces. Rice sauce is a popular and versatile sauce that can be paired with different types of rice dishes. It is a delicious and nutritious condiment that is easy to prepare. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare rice sauce in Nigeria.

Ingredients

To prepare rice sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized onions
• 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Wash the tomatoes, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers thoroughly.
2. Chop the onions and tomatoes into small pieces and set aside.
3. Remove the seeds from the scotch bonnet peppers and chop them into small pieces.
4. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil on medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onions to the frying pan and fry for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and scotch bonnet peppers to the frying pan and stir.
7. Add the curry powder, thyme, dried basil, ground coriander, and ground ginger to the frying pan and stir.
8. Add salt to taste and stir.
9. Cover the frying pan and let the rice sauce cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
10. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
11. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
12. Once cooled, blend the sauce until it is smooth.
13. Your rice sauce is now ready to be served with your favorite rice dish.

Tips

• You can add more or less spice according to your preference.
• For a creamier texture, you can add coconut milk or cream to the sauce.
• You can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more intense flavor.

Conclusion

Rice sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used to add flavor to your rice dishes. With the right ingredients and preparation method, you can make a flavorful and nutritious rice sauce in Nigeria. Follow the steps outlined in this article to prepare your own rice sauce and enjoy it with your favorite rice dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. However, fresh tomatoes will give your rice sauce a fresher and more intense flavor.

2. Can I store rice sauce in the fridge?

Yes, you can store rice sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. However, vegetable oil is preferred because it has a neutral flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.

4. Can I make rice sauce without onions?

Yes, you can make rice sauce without onions. However, onions add flavor and texture to the sauce, so it is recommended to use them if possible.

5. Can I use other types of peppers instead of scotch bonnet peppers?

Yes, you can use other types of peppers instead of scotch bonnet peppers. However, scotch bonnet peppers are preferred because they have a unique flavor and heat that complements the other ingredients in the sauce.