Peanuts came to Africa from South America, brought by traders hundreds of years ago. They grew so well in African soils and climates that they quickly became a staple food. Today, several African countries are among the world's biggest peanut producers, and in Chad they are grown by thousands of farming families across the south of the country.
To make a good peanut sauce, raw peanuts are first roasted in a dry pan until they smell toasted and nutty. Then they are rubbed to remove the papery skins, and ground with a stone or in a blender until they form a smooth, oily paste. This paste is added to a pot of simmering tomatoes and onions, and water is stirred in gradually until the sauce reaches just the right thickness.
Peanut sauce is packed with goodness — peanuts are full of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins including vitamin E. In parts of Chad where other protein sources like meat are not eaten every day, peanut sauce is an important way for families to get the nourishment they need. It proves that simple, local ingredients can make some of the most delicious and healthy food in the world.