Wagashi (Beninese Fried Cheese in Tomato Sauce)
In short: Firm cheese cubes fried until golden, then warmed in a spicy tomato, onion and chili sauce and served with fried yam or rice. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 370 kcal
Wagashi is a firm, mild cow's milk cheese made by Fulani cheesemakers in Benin, sold in rounds at markets and traditionally set with a plant-based coagulant. It is fried until golden and eaten in a spicy tomato sauce, with fried yam, or on its own with chili. Because wagashi is hard to find abroad, paneer or halloumi are the closest substitutes, and both fry well.
Instructions
- Pat the cheese cubes dry with paper towels and sprinkle with the pepper. Do not salt the cheese itself.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cheese in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then the tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, chili, salt and water. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick.
- Return the cheese to the pan and simmer for 3 minutes, just to coat and warm it through.
- Serve hot with fried yam or rice.
Tips
- If you cannot find wagashi, use paneer, which is closest in texture because it keeps its shape when cooked. Halloumi also works but is saltier, so skip the salt in the sauce.
- Do not simmer the cheese for long. Too much time in the sauce makes it rubbery.
Questions and answers
What is wagashi?
It is a firm, mild cow's milk cheese made by Fulani cheesemakers in Benin and neighboring countries. It does not melt when cooked, so it is fried or simmered in sauces.
Can I use another cheese instead?
Paneer and halloumi work best. Firm tofu can also be used for a vegan version, pressed and fried the same way.
How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Use half the chili and remove the seeds, or use a milder variety. Serve extra chili on the side for people who like more heat.
How long does it take to make Wagashi (Beninese Fried Cheese in Tomato Sauce)?
About 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Wagashi (Beninese Fried Cheese in Tomato Sauce)?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 19 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
