Ewa Agonyi
Network Food@foodnetwork
25 days ago
Ewa Agonyi is a popular West African dish, particularly loved in Togo and Nigeria. It primarily consists of mashed or stewed black-eyed peas (often referred to as ewa) served with a special spicy sauce known as agonyi sauce. The dish is simple but flavorful and is commonly enjoyed by street food lovers and in homes across the region.
Ewa (Beans): The base of the dish is made from boiled black-eyed peas or cowpeas. The beans are cooked until very soft and mashed slightly, creating a creamy consistency. This provides the bulk of the meal and is packed with protein.
Agonyi Sauce: The sauce is the star of the dish, adding intense flavor to the otherwise mild beans. The agonyi sauce is usually made from a combination of:
Blended peppers: Typically a mix of red bell peppers and hot chili peppers.
Onions: Sliced onions are fried in oil until caramelized, giving the sauce a sweet and rich flavor.
Palm oil: This is often the key ingredient, giving the sauce its characteristic deep red color and unique taste.
Seasoning and Spices: A blend of spices and seasonings, including salt, bouillon cubes, and sometimes dried shrimp powder, adds depth to the sauce.
The sauce is usually fried until it develops a dark, almost smoky flavor, making it an intense, spicy complement to the soft beans.
Ewa Agonyi is typically served with various accompaniments such as:
Bread: In Nigeria, it is often paired with agege bread, a soft, sweet bread that balances the spiciness of the sauce.
Rice: Some people enjoy Ewa Agonyi with rice for a more filling meal.
Fried Plantains (Kelewele): Sweet and savory fried plantains are a popular side dish for Ewa Agonyi, adding a contrasting flavor to the beans and sauce.
In Togo, the dish might be slightly varied in terms of spice levels or ingredients, reflecting local preferences. Togolese cuisine often incorporates fresh ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, and dried fish, which may appear in the agonyi sauce, giving it a uniquely Togolese flavor profile.
Ewa Agonyi is a beloved dish due to its simplicity, affordability, and the satisfying combination of textures and flavors. It is often sold as street food or prepared as a hearty, homemade meal. Its appeal cuts across different social classes, and it is enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ewa Agonyi is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the earthiness of black-eyed peas with the bold, spicy, and smoky agonyi sauce. Its versatility and rich flavor make it a favorite in both Togo and neighboring Nigeria, as well as across West Africa. Whether enjoyed with bread, rice, or fried plantains, this dish is a true delight for lovers of hearty and spicy food.
Photo: Pinterest
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