If you’ve ever attended a Yoruba party or tasted that special green stew served with Ofada rice, then you wouls know ofada sauce is an experience. The aroma alone can make you hungry from two streets away!But many people shy away from cooking it at home because they think it’s complicated. Truth is, once you understand the steps and little secrets behind that rich, smoky flavour, you’ll be preparing your own Ofada sauce like a pro.
Read More: Truth About Palm Oil: Healthy Or Harmful?
What Is Ofada Sauce (Ayamase)?
Ofada sauce, also called “Ayamase” or designer stew, is a spicy green pepper stew made with a blend of green ata rodo or bell peppers, locust beans (iru), palm oil, and assorted meats.It’s mostly served with Ofada rice, a locally grown rice known for its distinct aroma and flavour.This sauce stands out for its bold, native taste, the kind that instantly reminds you of that special owambe party. To prepare this sauce, there are varietiee of ingredients you would need. What could they be? Let’s find out!
Ofada Sauce Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make a pot of Ofada Sauce.
- 8-10 green bell peppers (tatashe type)
- 3-4 scotch bonnets (atarodo) – adjust to your spice level
- 2 medium onions (1 for blending, 1 sliced)
- 2 cups assorted meats (shaki, ponmo, beef, liver, or goat meat)1 cup palm oil
- 2 tablespoons locust beans (iru)
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- Boiled eggs for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation
Here is a guide step-by-step on how to prepare Ayamase.
Step 1 – Gently bleach the Palm Oil
Pour your palm oil into a pot and heat on medium flame until it turns light brown, not black! You’ll know it’s ready when the color changes and the harsh smell reduces. Turn off the heat and let it cool. (For safety, keep windows open).
Step 2 – Blend The Peppers
Blend your green bell peppers, scotch bonnets, and one onion roughly. You don’t want it too smooth. The texture is key to that traditional feel.
Step 3 – Fry The Sauce Base
Once the oil cools, add your sliced onions and locust beans. Stir for a few minutes until fragrant. Then pour in your blended pepper mix and let it fry slowly. Stir occasionally and allow it to reduce.
Step 4 – Add The Meats And Seasoning
Add your already cooked assorted meats into the sauce. Season with salt and seasoning cubes. Let everything simmer together on low heat until oil starts floating on top. That’s your sign the sauce is ready!
Step 5 – Serve Hot
Serve your Ofada sauce with Ofada rice or plain white rice. Add boiled eggs on top for that full restaurant or party-style look.
Note, don’t rush the frying process. Ofada sauce tastes best when it cooks slowly. Keep the pepper color green by avoiding tomatoes or red peppers. You can store leftover sauce in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Ofada Sauce Recipe
Aside from being delicious, Ofada sauce is high in protein (thanks to the assorted meat) and rich in vitamins from green peppers. It’s also a great meal prep idea; make once and enjoy for days. And if you don’t want the market stress of sourcing ingredients one by one, you can get all your pepper mix, palm oil, and dry ingredients in one place, fresh, affordable, and delivered to your doorstep through Iyaloja Direct Mile12 food sharing in Lagos.
Best Prices for Groceries In Lagos
No matter the quantity you are buying, you pay wholesale price as though you are buying in bulk because we buy for many at once.Don’t wait till the next party to enjoy Ofada sauce. Try this recipe at home and thank us later! Visit our website www.iyalojadirect.com/shop and start shopping
