Pili Pili ya Kukaanga Sauce

fresh chili peppers

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: dried chili flakes

Dried chili flakes provide heat at a lower cost.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is often more affordable.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar can provide acidity at a lower cost.

fresh tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Tomato paste can be more concentrated and cost-effective.

De-seed the chili peppers or leave them on for a spicier sauce.

Slice the tomatoes into large pieces.

Peel the garlic cloves.

Add the tomatoes, garlic, salt, garam masala, and paprika powder to a blender and blend until smooth or chunky, based on preference.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot or pan over low to medium heat.

Add tomato paste to the pot or pan and mix to combine, stirring to prevent burning.

Add the blended mixture to the pot or pan and combine.

Cover the pot or pan and allow the sauce to simmer, checking occasionally to prevent burning.

Midway through cooking, check for salt and adjust if necessary.

Cook until the tomato mass separates from the oil, indicating it's done.

Add lemon juice and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and drain excess oil, which can be saved for other uses.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary