Mbatan Batata with Spiced Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (800g) 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (800g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup unsalted peanuts, finely ground (120g) 1 cup unsalted peanuts, finely ground (120g)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (470ml) 2 cups vegetable broth (470ml)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the sweet potato chunks on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. 3.
   Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. 4.
   In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, and chili powder to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground peanuts and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
8. 8.
   Return the sauce to the saucepan and heat over low heat. Season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the roasted sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of the spiced peanut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
• Peanuts — If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to create a similar nutty flavor in the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable cream to the spiced peanut sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder in the sauce.
• Serve the Mbatan Batata with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to add some freshness to the meal.
• Leftover spiced peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the dish before serving.

Serving advice

Mbatan Batata is best served hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve it as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed rice or couscous. The creamy sweet potatoes and the rich peanut sauce make for a satisfying and filling meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of this dish, arrange the roasted sweet potatoes on a platter and drizzle the spiced peanut sauce over them. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. The vibrant orange of the sweet potatoes contrasting with the deep brown of the sauce will make for an eye-catching and appetizing presentation.