Gari Foto with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) gari (cassava couscous) 2 cups (400g) gari (cassava couscous)
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, soak the gari in vegetable broth for 10 minutes until it absorbs the liquid. Fluff the gari with a fork and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the bell pepper, carrot, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add this mixture to the pan and stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked vegetables and stir until everything is well coated.
6. 6.
   Add the soaked gari to the pan and gently mix it with the vegetables and sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gari — Make sure to soak the gari in vegetable broth to soften it before cooking. This will ensure a fluffy and tender texture.
• Peanut butter — Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oil for the best flavor and consistency.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added protein, you can include cooked chicken or shrimp in the dish.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the peanut sauce ingredients in a food processor before adding them to the pan.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Serve the Gari Foto with a side of fried plantains for a complete Sierra Leonean meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Gari Foto is best served warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve it as a main course with a side of fried plantains or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Presentation advice

To present Gari Foto beautifully, place a generous portion of the dish in the center of a plate. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro and serve with a side of fried plantains. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the aromatic peanut sauce will make the dish visually appealing.