Shito (Ghanaian pepper sauce)

• Shito

Shito is a popular pepper sauce enjoyed by some Ghanaians and other West African countries. It can be eaten with several local meals and stored for quite a long time.

Ingredients

• 15 large onions

• 1 cup of dried crushed herrings

• 1 cup of shrimp powder

• 15 large fresh pepper

• 3 tablespoonfuls of dried pepper powder

• 4 tablespoonfuls of tomato puree

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Nutmeg

• Food seasonings

• Cooking oil

• Salt

Preparation

• Wash and peel off onions, ginger, and garlic.

-Chop them into big chunks.

• Pour onion chunks into cooking oil in a saucepan under medium heat.

• Blend ginger, garlic, and pepper and add to oil. Stir until tender.

• Add tomato puree. Stir for 20 minutes.

• Continuously stir the mixture until it is light brown.

• Add shrimp powder and herring then stir in seasoning and salt to taste

• Add the dried powdered pepper, nutmeg and allow simmering on a low heat till the colour is dark brown.

• Remove from fire and allow it to cool.

• Store in a dry clean bottle with enough oil on top of the sauce.

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com