Palm Butter

Ingredients

2 cups palm nuts (or palm nut concentrate/paste)
4 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 hot peppers (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1-2 cups beef, chicken, or fish stock (optional, for added flavor)
1 cup cooked meat (beef, chicken, or fish), chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or palm oil

Instructions

Prepare the Palm Nuts

If using fresh palm nuts, boil them in a pot of water until the skins loosen and the nuts become tender (about 30-45 minutes). Let them cool, then peel off the skins and mash the nuts. If using palm nut concentrate or paste, skip this step.

Cook the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saut√© until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and hot peppers (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add Palm Nuts or Paste

Add the mashed palm nuts or palm nut concentrate to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.

Add Liquid and Spices

Pour in the water and beef, chicken, or fish stock if using. Stir to combine.

Add ground paprika, black pepper, thyme, and salt. Stir well.

Simmer the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the palm butter thickens and the flavors meld together.

Add Optional Meat

If using, stir in the chopped cooked meat and cook for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.