5 Mouth-watering shito recipes

If you are a lover of spicy foods, then you have to try Shito, the Ghanaian condiment that is taking the world by storm. It is a spicy sauce made with a blend of dried seafood, peppers, onions, and spices. It is a staple condiment in Ghanaian cuisine and is used as a flavouring agent in many dishes. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, ingredients, and uses of Shito.

It has been a part of Ghanaian cuisine for centuries. The name "Shito" comes from the Ga language, which is spoken in Ghana. It translates to "pepper", which is an essential ingredient in the sauce. It has been used in Ghanaian homes for generations and is a staple condiment in most households.

Ingredients of Shito

It is made with a blend of dried seafood, including smoked shrimp, powder-smoked fish, and dried crayfish. These ingredients give the sauce a unique umami flavour. The sauce also contains onion, ginger, garlic, and various peppers, including habanero peppers and African bird's eye chilli peppers. The peppers give the sauce its heat and flavour.

Other ingredients that are added to shito include vegetable oil, salt, and spices such as cloves and aniseed. These ingredients help to balance the flavours of the sauce and give it a unique taste.

Making Shito

The process of making shito is straightforward, but it requires patience and attention to detail. The first step is to grind the dried seafood and peppers (like Scotch bonnet) into a coarse powder. The onion, ginger, and garlic are then blended in a food processor and added with chilli powder. The oil is then heated in a pan, and the ground mixture is added to the oil. The mixture is cooked on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally, until it turns a deep brown colour. The salt and spices are then added to the sauce, and it is left to cool.

Uses of This Sauce

It is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a popular accompaniment to rice dishes, such as jollof rice and fish sauce, and is often used as a marinade for grilled meats and seafood. It is also used as a dipping sauce for fried foods, such as plantain and yam.

It is not only used as a condiment but also as a flavouring agent in many Ghanaian dishes. It is often added to stews and soups, such as groundnut soup and light soup, to give them a spicy kick.

Health Benefits of Shito

Shito is not only delicious but also has some health benefits. The peppers in the hot pepper sauce contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Capsaicin has also been linked to weight loss and improved heart health. The garlic and ginger in Kpakpo Shito are also known for their immune-boosting properties.

5 Mouthwatering recipes using shito

It is a spicy Ghanaian condiment that can add depth and flavour to your meals. Made with a blend of dried seafood, peppers, onions, and spices, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this blog post, we will explore five mouthwatering recipes that use hot pepper sauce.

Jollof Rice with shito

Jollof rice is a popular West African dish that is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. To add some heat and depth to this dish, you can use hot pepper sauce as a flavouring agent. Here's how to make Jollof Rice with Shito:

Ingredients:

● 2 cups of rice

● 3 spoons of shrimp powder

● 1 can of diced tomatoes (with tomato purée)

● 1 onion, chopped

● 2 cloves of garlic, minced

● 1 teaspoon of thyme

● 1 teaspoon of paprika

● 1 teaspoon of kpakpo Shito (hot pepper sauce)

● Salt and pepper to taste

● 4 cups of water

Instructions:

Heat a pot over medium heat and add some rapeseed oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they are translucent. Add the diced tomatoes, thyme, paprika, and hot pepper sauce. Mix well. Add the rice and mix well until it is coated with the tomato mixture.

Add the water, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 20-25 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Grilled Shrimp with Shito Marinade

It can also be used as a marinade for seafood, such as shrimp. Here's how to make grilled shrimp with shito marinade:

Ingredients:

● 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

● 1 tablespoon of Shito (hot pepper sauce)

● 1 tablespoon of honey

● 1 tablespoon of olive oil

● 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

● Salt and pepper to taste

● Skewers

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the hot pepper sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp to the bowl and coat them with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and cooked through. Serve with a side of rice and some steamed vegetables.

Shito Fried Chicken

It can also be used as a seasoning for fried chicken. Here's how to make Shito Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:

● 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

● 1/4 cup of flour

● 1/4 cup of cornstarch

● 1 tablespoon of Shito

● Salt and pepper to taste

● Oil for frying

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the flour, cornflour, Shito, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan. Fry the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain the chicken strips on a paper towel. Serve with a side of fries and some shito dipping sauce.

Shito Vegetable Stir-Fry

If you're looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, shito sauce can be used to add a spicy kick to a vegetable stir-fry. Here's how to make Shito Vegetable Stir-Fry:

Ingredients:

● 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

● 1 onion, sliced

● 2 cloves of garlic, minced

● 1 red bell pepper, sliced

● 1 green bell pepper, sliced

● 1 cup of sliced mushrooms

● 1 cup of sliced carrots

● 1 tablespoon of Shito sauce (hot pepper sauce)

● Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Add the hot pepper sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Serve with a side of rice or noodles.

Shito Beef Kebabs

It can also be used to add some heat and flavour to beef kebabs. Here's how to make Shito Beef Kebabs:

Ingredients:

● 1 pound of beef sirloin, cut into cubes

● 1 tablespoon of Shito sauce (hot pepper sauce)

● 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

● 1 tablespoon of honey

● 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

● Salt and pepper to taste

● Skewers

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix the hot pepper sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the beef cubes to the bowl and coat them with the marinade.

Cover the bowl and let the beef marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the beef cubes onto skewers. Grill the beef kebabs for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked to your liking. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables and some rice.

In conclusion, shito sauce is a delicious and spicy condiment that is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine. It is made with a blend of dried seafood, peppers, onions, and spices and is used as a flavouring agent in many dishes. It is easy to make and has many health benefits. If you are a lover of spicy foods, then you must try it.

So, the next time you visit a Ghanaian restaurant or decide to cook a Ghanaian dish at home, make sure to add some shito to your plate. You won't regret it!