Cookbook:Akarange (Rwandan Tomato Sauce)

Akarange is a flavorful and versatile Rwandan tomato sauce that can be used as a base for many dishes. Made with ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to various meals.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 1 green bell pepper, diced
 * 1 red bell pepper, diced
 * 6 large ripe tomatoes, diced
 * 1 teaspoon ground paprika
 * ½ teaspoon ground cumin
 * ½ teaspoon ground coriander
 * ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * Salt, to taste
 * 1 cup water

Equipment

 * Cutting board
 * Knife
 * Large saucepan
 * Wooden spoon

Procedure

 * 1) Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
 * 2) Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
 * 3) Stir in the diced green and red bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
 * 4) Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, along with the ground paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
 * 5) Pour in the water and season with salt to taste. Stir again to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
 * 6) Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the akarange cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and the flavors have melded together.
 * 7) Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices according to your preference.
 * 8) Once the akarange is cooked to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * For a spicier version, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the sauce.
 * Akarange can be used as a base for various dishes such as stews, soups, and curries. It also pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables.

Nutrition

 * Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.
 * This sauce is low in calories and fat.