West African Mornay Sauce

Ingredients

In this West African adaptation of the Mornay sauce, we incorporate traditional West African ingredients to infuse the sauce with unique flavors. The addition of aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce. We also use local West African cheeses, such as Nigerian Wara or Ghanaian Akkawi, to give the sauce a distinct regional taste. We alse have the original recipe for Mornay Sauce, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) grated West African cheese (e.g., Nigerian Wara or Ghanaian Akkawi) 1 cup (100g) grated West African cheese (e.g., Nigerian Wara or Ghanaian Akkawi)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. 2.
   In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour the hot milk into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Add the grated West African cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground ginger, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
7. 7.
   Continue to cook the sauce for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. 8.
   Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• West African cheese — If you can't find Nigerian Wara or Ghanaian Akkawi cheese, you can substitute with a mild, semi-soft cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more milk.
• Serve the West African Mornay sauce over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for plantain chips.

Serving advice

Serve the West African Mornay sauce warm over your favorite dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for fried plantains.

Presentation advice

Garnish the West African Mornay sauce with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.