Cookbook:Akarange (Rwandan Tomato Sauce)

Akarange (Rwandan Tomato Sauce)
Category	African recipes
Difficulty

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Akarange is a flavorful and versatile Rwandan tomato sauce that can be used as a base for many dishes. Made with ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to various meals.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 6 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup water

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Procedure

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, along with the ground paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
5. Pour in the water and season with salt to taste. Stir again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the akarange cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the flavors have melded together.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices according to your preference.
8. Once the akarange is cooked to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Notes, tips, and variations

• For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the sauce.
• Akarange can be used as a base for various dishes such as stews, soups, and curries. It also pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.

Nutrition

• Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.
• This sauce is low in calories and fat.