Growing up in an average Nigerian home in a Lagos suburb came with many perks. We got to attend lots of parties, and if you are familiar with Nigerian Yoruba parties, you would know they are classy with all the local choice food on display.
I remember the first time I tasted this sauce; it was at a birthday party. It looked like nothing I had eaten before so you can guess already that my first reaction was scepticism. However, I was encouraged by the host to try just a spoon before I determined if I wanted it or not. Thankfully, I yielded the advice of the host. The rest, as they say, became history.
Ayamashe is a staple meal found in the Yoruba speaking parts of Nigeria, West Africa. An owambe (code name for extravagant parties with full-on stylized clothes and accessories), is incomplete without Ayamashe sauce in attendance. The Ayamashe sauce, bursting with flavour, is usually paired with rice.
Although this sauce became popular from owambes, it is not uncommon for many families to prepare this sauce either as a Sunday special or to celebrate some special holiday or occasion.
Ingredients
4 Green bell paprika pepper
2 Green chilli peppers
2 Green habanero (you may increase this depending on your spice tolerance level)
1 medium sized onion
750 g Assorted Meat (beef, cow tripe, cow skin, liver, kidney) – already cooked
5 Hard-boiled eggs
3 Unripe tomatoes (optional)
Locust beans (optional)
4 Tbs Dried shrimps (optional)
1 Tbs Salt
2 Seasoning cubes
2 cups of oil
Note: You can also cook this with fish as an alternative to beef or as a vegetarian dish by leaving out the meat, fish, shrimp, and eggs.
Preparation
Your tastebud has just embarked on a journey to food-heaven. Enjoy the meal!