Benin, or Republique du Benin, lies in West Africa. Prior to 1990 Benin was called Dahomey, a kingdom comprised of several ethnic groups from the Abomey plain. The Republic of Benin is bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger. Benin is one of Africa’s strongest democracies.
Europeans began arriving in Dahomey in the 18th century. The Portuguese, French, and Dutch established trading posts along the coast and traded weapons for slaves. This region was known as the Slave Coast because of the numerous slaves that were shipped to the Americas. Today, a majority of the population live on the Bight of Benin, the southern coastline.
The official language of Benin is French as it was France that governed the area beginning 1872. However, many of the indigenous languages are still spoken. Benin was called French Dahomey until 1960 when the region gained full independence from France. French Dahomey was renamed with a neutral name, Benin, after the Bight of Benin, which was named for the Benin Empire to avoid a specific ethnic name.
There are approximately 42 African ethnic groups that live in Benin. Several religions, that includes Animism, Roman Catholicism, Islam and Voodoo, which originated in Benin and traveled to the Americas by African slaves. These varieties of ethnicities along with the French influence create a rich culture, which, of course, is evident in the Beninese cuisine.
In the north of Benin yams are the main staple. Pork and beef as well as couscous, rice and beans are common, although, meat is expensive and used sparingly. The meals are usually served with various sauces, such as the popular peanut sauce. In the south you will find many dishes made with corn, a common ingredient. Fish and chicken are quite common, too. And, as with the north, a variety of sauces are served with the meals. Fruits are more abundant in the south; mangoes, oranges and bananas are just a few that are available.
The peanut goes a long way in Benin. Peanut oil is used for frying and peanut sauces are common. Peanut butter stews are also popular. Even frying homemade peanut butter (which has been drained of oil and rolled into balls) is eaten! Many Americans view peanut butter as an American food. But, in Benin peanut butter is used alone or in sauces. The first step in making a true Beninese peanut sauce is to use homemade peanut butter. {
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Klui-Klui (Peanut Butter from the Peace Corps Cookbook)
Ingredients
Roasted peanuts
Directions
1. Put roasted unsalted peanuts in the blender or food processor until you get peanut butter.
2. Let sit at room temperature for a day or until the solids settle to the bottom and the oil rises to the top.
3. Drain off the most of the oil to use for cooking. Reserve some of the oil to stir back into the peanut butter for easier spreading
Peanut Sauce (From the Peace Corps Cookbook)
This sauce can be used with rice and beans, add meat and/or yams for a tasty meal.
Ingredients
3 tbs oil
2 tbs tomato paste
½ to 1 tsp of your favorite hot pepper, finely diced
½ tsp salt
1 beef bouillon cube
1 cup water-or more depending on the density of the peanut butter you’re using
½ cup peanut butter (homemade or all natural store bought
½ cup diced onion
Directions
1. Sauté tomato paste, hot pepper, salt, onion and bouillon cube in oil for a few minutes.
2. Add peanut butter and water.
3. Mix and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
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Angie@Angie's Recipes
March 17, 2012 at 3:12 pm //
Homemade peanut butter!! wow that’s just cool!
Love these pedestals..so cute.
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:18 pm //
Thank you Angie = )
Parsley Sage
March 17, 2012 at 9:35 pm //
Sounds like Benin is my kind of place! I grew up in a town that’s known for having the world’s largest peanut so I have more peanut buttery love than most people :) Delicious post!
BUZZED
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:18 pm //
Thanks so much for the BUZZ = )
Jo
March 18, 2012 at 3:57 am //
Wow, homemade peanut butter. It looks incredible and the ingredients are very interesting, never would have thought they belong in peanut butter. Something I have to try. :)
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:16 pm //
Thanks so much Jo, this sauce will go well with Thai Satay too or it can be used to cook with.
Rebecca @ All-American Vegetarian
March 18, 2012 at 11:05 am //
I just roasted my own peanuts for the first time the other day and I have plans on making them into peanut butter – another first!
Love the sauce recipe, too! Can never go wrong with a peanut sauce :)
~Rebecca
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:15 pm //
You did? Did you love it? I love peanuts, but the sauce is awesome with Thai Satay.
Terra
March 18, 2012 at 11:45 am //
I love that 3-tier stand too, that would be fantastic in my tiny kitchen:-) I have never heard of Klui Klui peanut butter, but it sounds really wonderful:-) Hugs, Terra
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:13 pm //
We feel the same way too, there is never enough room in the kitchen. Thank you so much for commenting Terra.
Valentina
March 18, 2012 at 1:31 pm //
absolutely beautiful image — and I’m certain super delicious!
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:12 pm //
Thank you so much for commenting = )
Alyssa
March 18, 2012 at 3:10 pm //
Wow, that sauce looks really great. I love that you even made a homemade peanut butter too!
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:12 pm //
We are truly peanut lovers here = ). This would go well with Thai Satay too = )
The Café Sucré Farine
March 18, 2012 at 4:56 pm //
I love peanut sauce and this one sounds unique and delicious!
myfudo
March 18, 2012 at 7:11 pm //
It’s great, I bet this would be lovely with Thai Satay, thank you for commenting.