Garden Egg Sauce
A savory and hearty Nigerian sauce made from garden eggs, peppers, and onions, simmered in palm oil. This vegetarian version is traditionally served with boiled yam, plantain, or rice for a complete meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Allergen information: may contain eggs. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 500 ggarden egg, roughly chopped
- 60 mlpalm oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 pcsroma tomato, finely chopped
- 1 pcsred bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 pcsscotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 pcsvegetable bouillon cube, crumbled, check label for allergens
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground(optional)
Equipment
cutting board · knife · potato masher · large saucepan
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the palm oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat until it melts completely.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Using palm oil is key for the authentic color and flavor, but vegetable oil can be substituted if needed.
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
About 4 min
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
About 5 min
- 4
Add the chopped garden eggs and the crumbled vegetable bouillon cube to the pot.
About 1 min
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the garden eggs are very tender.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Stir once or twice during simmering to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Uncover the pot and use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush the garden eggs directly in the pot to a coarse, pulpy consistency.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Mash to your preferred texture; some like it chunkier, while others prefer it smoother.
- 7
Stir in the salt and optional black pepper. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine.
About 2 min
- 8
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm with your choice of side.
Keep it good
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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