SALATAT DAKWA - TOMATO PEANUT SALAD

- 6–8 tbsp peanut butter/cooking peanut paste

- 2 tomatoes – diced
- 1 red onion – finely chopped
- 1 green pepper – diced
- salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 tbsp malt vinegar
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime – juiced

The star of Salatat Dakwa is the humble peanut, known locally as 'ful sudani'. Peanuts were introduced to Sudan centuries ago, likely through trade routes that connected the region to West Africa and beyond. Over time, Sudanese cooks ingeniously incorporated this nutritious legume into their cuisine, creating 'dakwa', a versatile peanut paste that became a staple in both savory and sweet dishes. Salatat Dakwa emerged as a celebration of this ingredient, combining it with native tomatoes and spices in a harmony of flavors that epitomizes Sudanese gastronomy.

As Sudan's history unfolded through periods of isolation and interaction with neighboring cultures, Salatat Dakwa remained a constant, adapting and evolving. The addition of sesame oil, for instance, hints at the influence of Arab traders who frequented the region. Today, this dish stands as a testament to Sudan's culinary resilience and creativity. It continues to be shared at family gatherings and community celebrations, a tangible link to the past that nourishes both body and cultural identity in the present.

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