Benin-inspired Canestrelli with Spiced Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

In this Benin-inspired version, the traditional Canestrelli cookies are enhanced with aromatic spices like coriander and cayenne pepper, giving them a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the original sweet Canestrelli are transformed into savory delights by pairing them with a spiced peanut sauce, which adds a rich and spicy element to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Canestrelli (Liguria), so you can check it out.

• For the Canestrelli: For the Canestrelli:
• 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 50g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar 50g (1/4 cup) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• For the Spiced Peanut Sauce: For the Spiced Peanut Sauce:
• 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts 150g (1 cup) roasted peanuts
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 200ml (3/4 cup) vegetable broth 200ml (3/4 cup) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the flour, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
5. 5.
   Use a canestrello-shaped cookie cutter or any desired shape to cut out the cookies.
6. 6.
   Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
7. 7.
   While the cookies are baking, prepare the spiced peanut sauce. In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted peanuts until finely ground.
8. 8.
   In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
9. 9.
   Stir in the tomato paste, ground ginger, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
10. 10.
    Add the ground peanuts and vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
11. 11.
    Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
12. 12.
    Season the spiced peanut sauce with salt to taste.
13. 13.
    Once the Canestrelli cookies are baked and cooled, serve them alongside the spiced peanut sauce for dipping or drizzle the sauce over the cookies.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanuts — Make sure to use roasted peanuts for the spiced peanut sauce to enhance their flavor. If desired, you can also crush some peanuts and sprinkle them on top of the finished dish for added texture.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder spiced peanut sauce, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
• Experiment with different cookie shapes to add a fun twist to the presentation.
• For a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
• The Canestrelli cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The spiced peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Benin-inspired Canestrelli with Spiced Peanut Sauce as an appetizer or snack. Arrange the cookies on a platter and place a small bowl of the spiced peanut sauce in the center for dipping. Alternatively, drizzle the sauce over the cookies for a more visually appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, dust the Canestrelli cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. Arrange them on a decorative plate or wooden board, and place a small bowl of the spiced peanut sauce alongside. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for an extra touch of elegance.