African Tomato Sauce Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful African tomato sauce recipe, inspired by a Congolese cookbook! This rich and savory sauce is perfect for elevating your favorite grilled meats, fish, or even plantains and yams. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the tastes of Congo.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Calories 367.7 kcal
Protein 21g
Rating Be the first
African Tomato Sauce 330

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for African Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large chopped onion
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  • 28 oz (794g) canned crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • approximately 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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How to Make African Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in 28 oz (794g) canned crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Add approximately 1/2 cup of water, or more as needed, to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve your delicious Congolese tomato sauce immediately over grilled or roasted chicken, fish, or meat. It's also fantastic with fried plantains or yams!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

38 g

Sugar

131g

Fat

10g

Carbs

18g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make African Tomato Sauce?

African Tomato Sauce takes about 30 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in African Tomato Sauce?

African Tomato Sauce has approximately 367.7 calories per serving, with about 21 g protein, 18 g carbohydrates and 23 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for African Tomato Sauce?

The key ingredients for African Tomato Sauce are Oil, Onions, Tomato Paste, Tomatoes, Bay Leaf, Nutmeg. See the full list with measurements above.

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