Senegalese Lalo Sauce Recipe: Jute Leaf Soup with Authentic Flavors

Name: Senegalese Lalo Sauce Recipe: Jute Leaf Soup with Authentic Flavors
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 4 personnes
Cuisine: Sénégal — Afrique de l'Ouest
Ingredients: 200 g de feuilles de gombo séchées (Lalo); 400 g de viande de mouton ou de bœuf; 200 g de poisson fumé; 150 g de crevettes séchées; 3 cuillères à soupe d'huile de palme; 2 oignons, 3 gousses d'ail; 2 tomates fraîches ou concentré de tomate; Sel, cube de bouillon, piment

Prepare authentic lalo sauce, a traditional Senegalese dish made from dried jute leaves. Deep flavors, velvety textures, and rich in nutrients. A culinary journey to West Africa.

Prep.

20 min

Cuisson

65 min

Total

85 min

Servings

4 personnes

Niveau

Moyen

Cuisine

Sénégal — Afrique de l'Ouest

Ingrédients

200 g de feuilles de gombo séchées (Lalo)
400 g de viande de mouton ou de bœuf
200 g de poisson fumé
150 g de crevettes séchées
3 cuillères à soupe d'huile de palme
2 oignons, 3 gousses d'ail
2 tomates fraîches ou concentré de tomate
Sel, cube de bouillon, piment

Préparation

1

Réhydrater le Lalo 15-20 min dans l'eau froide. Égouttez et réservez l'eau.
2

Faire revenir oignons et ail dans l'huile de palme. Ajouter les tomates. Cuire 5 min.
3

Ajouter la viande, assaisonner, couvrir de 600 ml d'eau (avec eau trempage). Mijoter 30 min.
4

Incorporer le poisson fumé et les crevettes séchées. Cuire 10 min.
5

Ajouter les feuilles de Lalo. Mijoter à feu doux 20 min en remuant.
6

Servir sur du riz blanc.

Pour aller plus loin : histoire, variantes, accompagnements et conseils

In brief

Senegalese Lalo Sauce: a mucilaginous sauce made with jute leaves
Origin: Senegal (Casamance, eastern Senegal)
Essential ingredients: lalo leaves (jute mallow, Corchorus), tomato, onions, meat or dried fish
A shared dish, central to family meals and ceremonies.

Origins and cultural history of Senegalese Lalo Sauce

Senegalese Lalo Sauce has its roots in Senegal. It is found mainly in Casamance and eastern Senegal. It is an integral part of the local culinary heritage and continues to be passed down from generation to generation, from family kitchens to the tables of Afro-Caribbean diaspora restaurants in France.

Its preparation remains rooted in precise gestures. Each family adds its personal touch, according to the available ingredients and regional customs.

What are the essential ingredients of Senegalese Lalo Sauce

The preparation of Senegalese Lalo Sauce relies on a few essential ingredients found in most African and Caribbean online grocery stores, including NKOSI.

lalo leaves (jute mallow, Corchorus)
tomato
onions
meat or dried fish
palm oil
chilli pepper

What to serve Senegalese Lalo Sauce with

Senegalese Lalo Sauce is traditionally served with: white rice, millet couscous. The choice depends on the regions, the seasons and family preferences.

For drinks, this dish is often accompanied by: bissap.

Nutritional benefits of Senegalese Lalo Sauce

Senegalese Lalo Sauce provides several interesting nutrients: iron (leaves), fibre. For a balanced diet, it is advisable to combine it with vegetables and to vary the protein sources.

Frequently asked questions about Senegalese Lalo Sauce

How to store Senegalese Lalo Sauce after preparation?

Senegalese Lalo Sauce keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It reheats gently over low heat or in the oven, adding a little water if necessary.

Can Senegalese Lalo Sauce be frozen?

Yes, the dish freezes very well for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator then reheat gently.

What is the preparation time for Senegalese Lalo Sauce?

Allow on average 15 to 30 minutes of preparation and 45 to 90 minutes of cooking, depending on the version. Traditional versions require slow cooking to develop all the flavours.

Where to find the authentic ingredients of Senegalese Lalo Sauce in France?

NKOSI offers the essential ingredients (spices, dry ingredients, specialised preserves) through its online shop nkosiagro.com, with fast delivery in France and Europe.