Malawian-inspired Spicy Tomato Steak Sauce

Ingredients

This Malawian-inspired steak sauce differs from the original British recipe by incorporating traditional Malawian spices and flavors. The addition of Scotch bonnet peppers gives it a fiery kick, while the use of cumin, coriander, and paprika adds depth and complexity. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a sauce that is unique to Malawian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Steak Sauce, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chopped Scotch bonnet peppers, ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika to the pan. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Continue to simmer the sauce for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Scotch bonnet peppers — Handle with caution as they are extremely spicy. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference. You can also substitute with milder chili peppers if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked mixture using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers.
• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• This sauce can also be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or as a condiment for burgers.

Serving advice

Serve the Malawian-inspired spicy tomato steak sauce alongside grilled or pan-seared steak. Drizzle it over the steak or use it as a dipping sauce. It also pairs well with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the steak with fresh cilantro leaves or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the sauce. Serve it in a small bowl or ramekin alongside the steak for a visually appealing presentation.