Kwepme with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 large yams (about 800g), peeled and cut into chunks 2 large yams (about 800g), peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (120g) roasted peanuts 1 cup (120g) roasted peanuts
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, boil the yam chunks until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
2. 2.
   Mash the yam chunks until smooth and free of lumps. Shape the mashed yam into small balls.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the yam balls until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
4. 4.
   In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted peanuts until finely ground.
5. 5.
   In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes, ground peanuts, paprika, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, ground coriander, and salt. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Cook the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the fried yam balls with the spicy peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yam — Make sure to boil the yam until it is fork-tender for easy mashing. Be careful not to overcook it, as it may become too mushy.
• Roasted peanuts — If you can't find roasted peanuts, you can roast raw peanuts in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown. Let them cool before blending.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the yam balls extra crispy, you can double-fry them. After the first fry, let them cool for a few minutes, then fry them again until they reach the desired crispiness.
• Adjust the spiciness of the peanut sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth while cooking the peanut sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Kwepme with Spicy Peanut Sauce as a main course, accompanied by steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden yam balls on a platter and drizzle the spicy peanut sauce over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to create an appealing and balanced plate.