Belgian-Style Ekuru with Spiced Tomato Sauce

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.

• 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the spiced tomato sauce: For the spiced tomato sauce:
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 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

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. Transfer them to a blender or food processor.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
3. 3.
   Blend the mixture until smooth, gradually adding vegetable broth to achieve a thick batter consistency.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Spoon the Ekuru batter onto the pan, forming small round cakes. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. 6.
   Remove the Ekuru from the pan and set aside.
7. 7.
8. 8.
   For the spiced tomato sauce:
9. 9.
   In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
10. 10.
    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
11. 11.
    Add the diced tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until softened.
12. 12.
    Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
13. 13.
    Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
14. 14.
    Blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender.
15. 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.