Authentic Nigerian Shito Sauce

Nigerian shito sauce is a fiery condiment, popular in many central and western African countries. It is attributed to Nigeria as to where it originated and, while it is definitely prevalent there, perhaps more than other countries in Africa, shito sauce can be found at the dinner tables in Ghana, Kenya, and many other countries as a favored condiment to really spice up a meal.

Authentic Nigerian Shito Sauce Recipe-

Ingredients:

4 tbsp. tomato paste
4 roma tomatoes
4 habanero peppers, chopped fine
2 tbsp. red pepper chili flakes
2 Nigerian maggi cubes, crushed
1 tsp. paprika
1 tbsp. dried fish powder
1 tbsp. crayfish oil
2 large yellow onions, peeled, 1 rough chopped, 1 chopped fine
1-1/4 cups peanut oil
5 or 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and rough chopped
4″-6″ inches fresh ginger root, peeled and rough chopped
salt (to taste)

Directions:

Place the rough chopped onion, habaneros, ginger, maggi cubes and tomatoes in an electric blender; pulse and blend until well combined and smooth.
In a sturdy high walled skillet, heat the oil over medium flame. Add the remaining onion into the skillet. Sauté until golden brown and fragrant – do not burn.
Next, add and stir in the tomato paste. Sauté for a couple minutes, then pour in the blended mix, stir well to combine, and cook until most of the oil has risen to the top.
Now add and stir in the the paprika, chili flakes, crayfish oil and dry fish powder. Add salt to taste. Continue cooking, stirring continuously.
You will know your Nigerian shito sauce is almost done when it turns a dark red or dark reddish brown color. When it feels a little dry (under the oil) it is fully cooked. Remove the skillet from the burner and allow to cool long enough to handle. Some people like to keep the oil in with the sauce, and stir it back into the mix. Others prefer to drain it off – this a matter of your personal taste.
Nigerian shito sauce will keep for a very long time; simply store it in a jar with a tight lid, and serve it as a condiment for almost any west African meal.

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