Benin - Lamb in Peanut Sauce (Mouton aux Arachides)

For the West African country of Benin, I cooked a delicious lamb in peanut sauce stew (Mouton aux Arachides).

The Republic of Benin is a country in West Africa bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Benin has a population of 10.8 million with a majority living along the small southern coastline (Bight of Benin).

Benin was a French colony from the late 19th century to 1960. The official language of Benin is French, however the indigenous languages including Fon and Yoruba are still commonly spoken. About 42 different African ethnic groups live in the country. Some of the largest ethnic groups are the Fon (~40%), Yoruba (~12%) and Bariba (~1%). The largest religious group in Benin are the Christians (43%), followed by Muslims (24%), and Vodun (17%).

Benin is often considered the birthplace of Voodoo (or Vodun, meaning 'spirit' in the Fon language). Voodoo is a commonly practiced and accepted belief system (except when it was banned under military rule from the 1970s to the 1990s). Voodoo is predominantly practiced by the Fon people in southern and central Benin. Many Christians and Muslims incorporate elements of Voodoo into their beliefs, especially in times of crisis. Voodoo encompasses philosophy, language, dance, art, music and medicine. The Voodoo belief system centres around the idea of spirits and other divine elements that govern the earth. There is a range of spirits, from those who govern the forces of nature (e.g. Hevioso, the thunder deity) to smaller spirits who govern individual streams or tribes. Many people associate Voodoo with Voodoo dolls, however the religion of Voodoo and the dolls have no connection. It is understood by historians that voodoo dolls are derived from Europe rather than Africa, and the connection between the dolls and voodoo religion was established through 20th-century media.

Prior to the French occupation in the late 19th century. The Bight of Benin was known as the Slave Coast. Between the 16th and 19th centuries around 3 million African slaves were transported out of Benin to the New World. In 1994, UNESCO launched a historical remembrance project called ‘Route of the Slaves’ which memorialised this tumultuous time in Benin’s history. On the beach in Ouidah, there are many poignant memorials, such as the ‘Tree of Forgetfulness’, where slaves were forced to walk around the tree in circles to forget where they came from, and ‘The Point of No Return’ where slaves were branded with symbols of their new owners.

After Europe abolished slavery in the 19th century, France took over the country of Benin. Because of this, much of the Beninese cuisine reflects its French influences. Traditional Beninese meals are rich in rice, corn, beans, and yams. Because Benin is one of the poorest countries in the world, meat is consumed only on special occasions. When meat is eaten, it is likely to be served with vegetables and a peanut or tomato-based sauce.

Mouton aux Arachides

Ingredients:

• 500g lamb
• 3 Tbs peanut butter
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbs peanut oil
• 2 onions
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tin diced tomatoes 
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbs shrimp paste
• 3 carrots, cut into chunks
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¼ small cabbage, shredded

Boil the water and peanut butter together for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot, saute the lamb and onions in the peanut oil until the lamb is browned and the onions are translucent.

To the lamb, add the garlic, thyme, and shrimp paste.

Add the carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.

Then add the peanut butter mixture. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the sweet potato and continue to simmer for a further 40 minutes or until sauce is thickened and the vegetables are cooked.

Serve with rice.

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If you love peanut butter you should definitely make this meal! The peanut butter gave it a nice ‘homey’ flavour and was very rich and filling. The lamb was really juicy and tender. I recommend serving this with lots of vegetables or rice to balance out the thick sauce. 

177 meals to go. Next stop on my world tour: Bhutan!