A West African spice-coated rack of lamb, plus pasty-like pies made with plantain pastry and stuffed with feta and onion

T

omatoes are an integral ingredient in west-African cooking, and are generally used alongside onions and chillies to create a flavourful and versatile base for sauces, soups and stews, and, of course, jollof rice. We often make a mother sauce of tomatoes and onions, then add spices and seasonings such as chilli flakes, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and cumin for a moreish bold and fiery pepper sauce.

This is inspired by the night-time meat vendors on the old railway line in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Cooking and eating it takes me straight back there every time.

Prep 15 min