Many of you who follow my blog often come across ingredients in my recipes that you've never heard of before. How often have I received messages from you afterwards with the same questions, such as: "What is Djansang?" or "Where can I find Pèbè ?" etc.
This year I would like to sweeten the time until Christmas for you with a special kind of Advent wreath by introducing you to the delicious, “exotic” spices which are included in my famous Magic Sauce as well as in some of my Hot&Spicy sauces, among other ingredients.
The first Advent candle is lit with…
Djansang, also known as Akpi nuts, are the seeds of the Ricinodendron heudelotii tree, which is native to tropical Africa. The seeds are highly prized as a spice in West African cuisine. The aroma reminds me of dried cacao beans; some even report being reminded of chocolate. The nutty texture and uniquely aromatic flavor lend a very special touch and a creamy consistency to any sauce, soup, or stew.
Djansang seeds are not only used in spices, but valuable oils are also pressed from them, which are then used in cooking as cooking oil or margarine. They are also often used as a thickening agent for various dishes. For me, they are a must-have in every marinade, whether for Cameroonian fish or meat.
The ricinodendron tree is not only highly prized in West Africa for its wonderful seeds, known as djansang, but also for its remarkable medicinal properties in traditional African medicine. The roots and bark of the tree, as well as the seeds themselves, are used to treat various ailments, including colds, rheumatism, fever, and more.
When you have a poor appetite, a hot soup seasoned with roasted and finely ground Djangsang works wonders. This spice is not only delicious but also good for your health. It's no wonder it's the number one spice in my Magic Sauce .
To allow the seeds to develop their full aroma, they are roasted shortly before processing.
All my sauces are available for purchase in my shop , so you can start cooking right away. For those of you who would like to try making them yourself, I offer the Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce DIY Kit , which is also available in the same shop.
In my next post, I'll light the next Advent candle by revealing another spice. So stay tuned!
