Togolese-inspired Canapés with a Twist

Ingredients

While the original French Canapés Madison feature classic French ingredients and flavors, this Togolese adaptation incorporates traditional Togolese spices and local ingredients to infuse the canapés with a distinct West African flair. The toppings and garnishes are inspired by Togolese cuisine, adding a unique twist to the traditional French canapés. We alse have the original recipe for Canapés Madison, so you can check it out.

• 1 baguette, sliced (250g) 1 baguette, sliced (250g)
• 1 cup (240g) palm nut cream 1 cup (240g) palm nut cream
• 1 cup (200g) smoked fish, flaked 1 cup (200g) smoked fish, flaked
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) ground crayfish 1 tablespoon (15g) ground crayfish
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chili pepper, and smoked fish to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Stir in the palm nut cream and ground crayfish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Spread a generous amount of the palm nut cream mixture onto each baguette slice.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
9. 9.
   Serve the canapés immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Palm nut cream — Ensure that the palm nut cream is well mixed before using it in the recipe to achieve a smooth consistency.

Tips & Tricks

• If palm nut cream is not available, you can substitute it with a combination of peanut butter and tomato paste for a similar flavor profile.
• Adjust the spiciness of the canapés by adding more or less chili pepper according to your preference.
• Experiment with different types of smoked fish to vary the flavor of the canapés.
• For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the canapés before serving.
• Serve the canapés on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation.

Serving advice

Arrange the canapés on a serving platter and garnish with additional cilantro leaves for an eye-catching display. Serve them as an appetizer at parties or as a flavorful snack for a Togolese-inspired gathering.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the canapés in a circular pattern on the platter, alternating the toppings for a colorful display. Sprinkle some extra ground crayfish and chili pepper on top for an added touch of vibrancy.