Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce)

Name: Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 4 red bell peppers, seeded, quartered; 6 ripe roma tomatoes, quartered; 2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, stemmed; 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup red palm oil (substitute neutral vegetable oil); 1 tsp salt; 2 vegan bouillon cube, crumbled

A classic Yoruba base sauce of blended bell peppers, tomatoes, and scotch bonnet slowly fried in palm oil until thick, concentrated, and richly caramelized. Use it as a stew base, braising liquid, or standalone sauce over rice.

55 minEasyServes 8140 cal/serving

West AfricanSauceStovetopVeganLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeShellfish-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

4 red bell peppers, seeded, quartered
6 ripe roma tomatoes, quartered
2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, stemmed
1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
1/3 cup red palm oil (substitute neutral vegetable oil)
1 tsp salt
2 vegan bouillon cube, crumbled

Instructions

1

Blend 4 seeded, quartered red bell peppers, 6 quartered ripe roma tomatoes, 2 stemmed scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, and 1 roughly chopped yellow onion in a blender until smooth. Do not add water.
2

Heat 1/3 cup red palm oil (substitute neutral vegetable oil) in a wide, heavy pot over medium heat until it shimmers.
3

Carefully pour in the blended pepper mixture - it will sputter. Stir to combine with the oil.
4

Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring every 5 minutes, for 30 to 35 minutes. The sauce should go from watery and orange to thick, dark red, and glossy, with oil rising to the surface.
5

Stir in 2 crumbled vegan bouillon cube and 1 tsp salt. Cook 5 more minutes.
6

Taste and adjust salt. Use immediately as a stew base or protein braising liquid, or refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for Scotch bonnet in Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce)?

The entry for Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) calls for 2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, stemmed. In its place: Habanero has the same heat and a similar fruitiness. For much less heat, use a jalapeno and a strip of orange bell pepper.

Is Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) comes from 2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, stemmed. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the scotch bonnet, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Is Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) gluten-free?

Yes. As written, nothing in the ingredient list for Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) is wheat, barley or rye. Gluten hides in packaged goods, so read the label on the bouillon.

How many calories are in Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce)?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 140 calories, with 3 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 9 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 380 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I make Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) in a sealed jar and use it within four to five days. It also freezes flat in a bag for up to three months.

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