Recipe
Belgian-Style Ekuru with Spiced Tomato Sauce
Savory Belgian Ekuru Delight
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Belgian cuisine with this delightful twist on the traditional Nigerian dish, Ekuru. This recipe combines the soft and fluffy texture of Ekuru with a rich and tangy spiced tomato sauce, creating a fusion of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Belgium.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
In this Belgian adaptation of Ekuru, the traditional Nigerian bean cake is transformed into a savory dish. The original sweet version is replaced with a savory one, and the Ekuru is served with a spiced tomato sauce instead of the traditional palm oil sauce. These changes infuse the dish with Belgian flavors and create a unique fusion of Nigerian and Belgian cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Ekuru, so you can check it out.
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2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the spiced tomato sauce: For the spiced tomato sauce:
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4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
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1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 12g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
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1.Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. Transfer them to a blender or food processor.
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2.Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
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3.Blend the mixture until smooth, gradually adding vegetable broth to achieve a thick batter consistency.
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4.Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
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5.Spoon the Ekuru batter onto the pan, forming small round cakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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6.Remove the Ekuru from the pan and set aside.
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7.
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8.For the spiced tomato sauce:
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9.In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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10.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
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11.Add the diced tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until softened.
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12.Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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13.Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
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14.Blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
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15.Serve the Ekuru with the spiced tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Black-eyed peas — Make sure to soak the black-eyed peas overnight to ensure they are soft enough to blend into a smooth batter.
- Paprika — Adjust the amount of paprika according to your spice preference. You can use smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley — Use fresh parsley for garnishing as it adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper to the spiced tomato sauce.
- Serve the Ekuru with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- You can make the Ekuru batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the Ekuru batter to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Leftover Ekuru can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving advice
Serve the Belgian-Style Ekuru with Spiced Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad. The combination of the soft and fluffy Ekuru with the tangy and flavorful tomato sauce creates a satisfying and delicious meal.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Ekuru on a serving platter, drizzle the spiced tomato sauce over them, and garnish with fresh parsley. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing and appetizing.
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