Authentic Ata DinDin Recipe: A Nigerian Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of palm oil
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 2 onions
  • 4 Scotch bonnet peppers
  • 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon of crayfish powder
  • 1 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of curry powder
  • 2 Maggi cubes (or any bouillon cube of your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of assorted meat (beef, chicken, goat, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup of smoked fish
  • 1/2 cup of prawns or shrimps
  • 2 cups of stock (from the cooked assorted meat)

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients: chop the bell peppers and onions, and blend the Scotch bonnet peppers.
  2. In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat until it's hot, but be careful not to let it smoke.
  3. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they're soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the bell peppers and blended Scotch bonnet peppers into the pot, stirring them into the onions.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, crayfish powder, thyme, curry powder, Maggi cubes, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
  6. Add the assorted meat, smoked fish, and prawns or shrimps to the pot. Stir gently until everything is well coated with the sauce.
  7. Allow the mixture to cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the oil starts to rise to the surface.
  8. Add the meat stock to the pot and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and allow the stew to simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you're happy with the taste, remove the stew from the heat and let it cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - You'll need a large pot to cook the stew.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife will be essential for chopping the vegetables.
  • Blender - You will need a blender to blend the Scotch bonnet peppers.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is great for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups will help you accurately measure the palm oil, crushed tomatoes, and stock.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to measure the crayfish powder, thyme, curry powder, and salt.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the assorted meat, smoked fish, and prawns/shrimps with plant-based protein alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
  • Spicy Variation: Increase the number of Scotch bonnet peppers or add extra chili flakes for those who enjoy a spicier flavor.
  • Seafood Lovers: Replace the assorted meat with a variety of seafood like crab, lobster, or squid for a seafood-rich version of Ata DinDin.
  • Vegetable Medley: Include a variety of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and peas to add more texture and color to the stew.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
  • Nutty Twist: Incorporate a spoonful of peanut butter or groundnut paste to give the stew a nutty and creamy richness.
  • Coconut Milk Addition: For a milder and slightly sweet taste, substitute a portion of the stock with coconut milk.
  • Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added bouillon cubes and reduce the amount of salt added to make a healthier version.

Recipe overview

Ata DinDin is a rich and flavorful Nigerian stew that is sure to delight your taste buds. Made with palm oil, assorted meat, and a variety of peppers, this stew brings a delightful blend of heat and flavor to your dinner table. The recipe calls for unique ingredients like crayfish powder and Scotch bonnet peppers, lending it an authenticity that sets it apart from your everyday stew. The process involves sautéing, simmering, and a bit of patience, but the result is a thick, aromatic stew that pairs perfectly with rice, yam, or bread. Whether you're exploring Nigerian cuisine for the first time or looking for a new go-to stew recipe, Ata DinDin is a heartwarming choice. Expect a cooking journey filled with exciting flavors and textures, resulting in a savory dish that's more than worth the effort.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of oil instead of palm oil? Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil as a substitute for palm oil.
  2. How spicy is this dish with Scotch bonnet peppers? Scotch bonnet peppers are known for their heat, so this dish can be quite spicy. However, you can adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers according to your preference for spiciness.
  3. Can I use canned crushed tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to use a good quality brand without any added seasonings.
  4. Can I omit the crayfish powder? If you don't have crayfish powder or prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe. It adds a unique flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
  5. Can I use only one type of meat instead of assorted meat? Absolutely! You can use only one type of meat such as beef or chicken if you prefer. Assorted meat is traditional, but feel free to customize the recipe to your liking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is required for cooking the Ata DinDin stew.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board is essential for chopping the bell peppers and onions.
  • Knife - A knife is needed for cutting and chopping the vegetables and meat.
  • Blender - A blender is necessary for blending the Scotch bonnet peppers.
  • Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are useful for accurately measuring the palm oil, crushed tomatoes, and stock.
  • Stock Pot - A stock pot is required for boiling and cooking the assorted meat to obtain the stock.
  • Serving Bowls - Serving bowls are needed for serving the Ata DinDin stew.
  • Rice or Side Dish - Ata DinDin is commonly served with rice or a side dish, such as plantains or yams.

Origin stories

Ata DinDin, also known as Fried Pepper Sauce, is a popular condiment in many West African nations, especially in Nigeria. This delicacy takes its name from the Yoruba language, with "Ata" meaning pepper and "DinDin" referring to the frying process. The vibrant red colour of the dish is achieved from the generous use of palm oil, a staple in West African cuisines. One of the unique attributes of Ata DinDin is its versatility. The sauce can act as a standalone dish served with rice or yam, or it can be a flavorful accompaniment to soups and stews. This highly adaptable sauce embodies the spirit of Nigerian cuisine, which is all about bold flavours, colourful presentation, and above all, the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.