How to Cook Njangsa Sauce (Akpi Sauce) Like a Pro

What Is Njangsa Sauce?

Njangsa (or Akpi) sauce is a rich, nutty-flavored Cameroonian delicacy made from ground Njangsa seeds, tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices.

It’s often paired with fish, chicken, or beef and served with starchy sides like plantains, rice, or boiled yams.

The seeds give it a unique, slightly bitter yet deeply savory taste unlike any other West African sauce.

How To Cook Njangsa Sauce

Why This Cameroonian Dish Is a Must-Try

• Bold & Unique Flavor:
  The earthy, nutty taste of njangsa seeds offers a distinctive depth that elevates any dish, setting it apart from common thickeners or flavor enhancers.
  
• Versatile Protein Pairing:
  Njangsa seeds complement a wide range of proteins, whether cooking fish, chicken, or even mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
  
  The adaptability of akpi seeds makes them a must-have for diverse cuisines.
  
• Nutrient-Packed:
  Beyond flavor, Njangsa seeds have nutritional benefits, boasting high levels of healthy fats and protein.
  
  They’re a wholesome addition to meals, balancing taste and nourishment. More about Akpi seeds’ nutritional benefits

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves: 4-6 people

• 500g fish or chicken (smoked or fresh)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tomatoes, blended
• 50g Njangsa (Akpi) seeds
• 50ml palm oil or any oil of your choice
• 1 tsp ground African spices (white pepper, African nutmeg, country onions, etc.)
• Seasoning cubes and salt to taste

Sourcing Njangsa Seeds

Njangsa seeds can be found in African grocery stores or purchased online through platforms like Baobabmart, Amazon, Etsy, or specialty African food shops.

For the best flavor and quality, opt for whole, dry seeds rather than pre-ground, grinding them fresh preserves their aromatic oils and earthy taste.

Key Spices & Protein Pairings

For rich, smoky depth, try pairing Njangsa with dried or smoked fish. If you prefer a milder dish, chicken works beautifully.

To amplify the warmth of the seeds, traditional spices like African nutmeg (ehuru) and white pepper are perfect complements, they add complexity without overpowering Njangsa’s unique nutty profile.

Tip: Roast the akpi/njangsa seeds before grinding to release their full aroma! You’re one click away from getting the best deals on akpi seeds (njangsa)!

Step 1: Preparing the Njangsa Seeds

Cleaning and Grinding Tips

• Rinse the seeds to remove debris.
• Dry roast in a pan for 2-3 mins to enhance nuttiness (this is optional).
• Grind into a fine paste using a blender or mortar. Add a splash of water if needed.

Note: 50 g seeds = about 3 tbsp ground paste. Adjust for a stronger flavor.

Step 2: Blending the Flavor Base

Combining tomatoes, onion,  herbs, and spices

Blend:

• Tomatoes
• ½ onion
• Spices (nutmeg, pepper)
• A pinch of salt

Note: Make sure the blend is smooth with no chunks for even cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the Base Sauce

• Heat oil, fry remaining onions until golden
• Add tomato blend; simmer 10 mins until thickened
• Add the njangsa paste and cook for 5 minutes to mellow bitterness.

Step 4: Adding Protein and Simmering

Best Meat & Fish to Use

For a bold and smoky flavor, smoked fish is a top choice, it pairs perfectly with njangsa.

But if you prefer something different, bone-in chicken thighs (with skin for added richness) will absorb the sauce beautifully while remaining tender.

How Long to Cook for Deepest Flavor

• Fish (smoked or fresh):
  Cook in the sauce for 15-20 minutes – just enough time to infuse the flavor without breaking down the fish.
  
• Chicken:
  Cook for 25-30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the spices and become falling-off-the-bone tender.

Pro Tip: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the meat/fish/mushroom with ground njangsa and spices before cooking.

Njangsa sauce pairs well with starches such as boiled yams, potatoes, etc, which balance its rich flavour, or steamed rice, which absorbs the sauce very well.

For a sweet contrast, fried ripe plantains(dodo/alloco) are an accompaniment.

Decorate the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro and crunchy red onions to enhance both presentation and flavour.

As per the ingredients, njangsa seeds (also known as akpi seeds in some communities) can be found online on platforms such as Baobabmart and Etsy or in African grocery stores.

If njangsa/akpi seeds are unavailable, egusi seeds can be used in a pinch.

Whether served over yams,foutou, rice, or plantains, njangsa sauce is a unique meal experience. 

You can find the steps in this video