Ndambe (Senegalese Black-Eyed Pea Stew)
In short: Soft black-eyed peas in a savory onion, tomato and mustard sauce with a little chili, eaten for breakfast in a baguette or with fried plantain. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Ndambe is a plate of soft black-eyed peas in a savory onion and oil sauce, and for many Senegalese it is a morning staple. Vendors serve it from big pots at breakfast time, often spooned into a split baguette or beside fried plantain. The peas cook until they begin to collapse, then are finished with tomato, mustard and a little hot chili. It costs little, fills you up and is entirely plant-based.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked peas and put them in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then simmer partly covered for 40 to 50 minutes until very tender.
- While the peas cook, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the onions for 8 minutes until soft and golden.
- Add the garlic, tomato paste and chili to the onions and cook for 3 minutes, stirring, until the paste darkens and smells sweet.
- Scoop the onion sauce into the peas along with the mustard, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Crush a few spoonfuls of peas against the side of the pot to thicken the sauce. The stew should be moist and spoonable, not soupy.
- Taste, adjust the salt and serve hot, spooned into a split baguette or next to fried plantain.
Tips
- In a hurry? Use 4 cups of canned black-eyed peas, drained, and simmer them in the sauce with 250 ml (1 cup) water for 15 minutes.
- A spoonful of extra peanut oil stirred in at the end gives the glossy, rich finish seen at street stalls.
Questions and answers
Do I have to soak black-eyed peas?
Soaking shortens the cooking time and gives an even texture. Without soaking, add about 30 minutes to the boiling time and expect firmer peas.
Can I freeze ndambe?
Yes, for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently with a splash of water.
Is ndambe vegan?
Yes. This version uses only peas, oil, vegetables and seasonings, with no meat, fish or stock.
How long does it take to make Ndambe (Senegalese Black-Eyed Pea Stew)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ndambe (Senegalese Black-Eyed Pea Stew)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
