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Yassa Onion Simmer Sauce (traditional)

Yassa Onion Simmer Sauce (traditional)

$15

This generations-old Yassa recipe is our Company Founder’s favorite dish and the vibrant version Jainaba grew up eating in her native land The Gambia, West Africa. It is still served there to this day. Bursting with intense flavors, this classic recipe retains its traditional and authentic roots.

Yassa captures the tropical flavors of Africa with big, bright citrus notes. It is the perfect example of how simple fresh ingredients always make the best dishes. We start by stir-frying fresh ginger and garlic to release their bold flavors. We then add gently caramelized onions for sweetness, fresh citrus juice for brightness and balance, and finally smoky paprika and other warm spices to create an exotic essence. We simmer, slowly, in an imported Dijon mustard sauce, for a rich and complex depth of flavors.

To whip up a quick meal on busy weekdays, simmer covered with chicken, meat, seafood, tofu and/or vegetables. For an extra special meal on the weekend, try Jainaba’s Signature Chicken Yassa Recipe.

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SKU: YAS-TRA Category:
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Cooking tips

Cooking Tips

  • After emptying Yassa into a heavy-bottomed pan, rinse jar with ¼ cup water and add to pan before simmering. Simmer covered. Increase water up to ½ cup water if you prefer a much looser and saucier Yassa. Taste at the end of cooking and adjust salt as needed.
  • To thicken sauce, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes or until sauce reaches your desired thickness.
  • At the end of cooking, Jainaba strongly recommends stirring in 2-3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lime juice (lemon not recommended) for extra authenticity and vibrancy. A game-changer for traditional Yassa. Do It!
  • If you prefer an onion-heavy Yassa, caramelize one medium yellow onion diced (or cut into strips) in 2-4 Tbsp. oil in a heavy-bottomed pan before adding Yassa sauce.
  • For an extra spicy Yassa, stir in 2-3 teaspoons of our Kaani sauce at the end of cooking or serve tableside spooning dollops onto your plate. Is it even Yassa if it isn’t deliciously spicy? Nah! Go for it…
  • Product separation occurs naturally in our Yassa sauce. Shake well before use.
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Ingredients

Water, Onion, Poblano Pepper, Sunflower Oil, Lime Juice, Cider Vinegar, Dijon Mustard (water, mustard seed, vinegar, salt, citric acid), Ginger, Garlic, Cane Sugar, Salt, Spices, Mushroom Powder (mushroom, salt, mushroom extract), Habanero Pepper, Paprika, Xanthan Gum

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Nutritional Info

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/4 cup (60g)
Servings Per Container about 6
Amount / Serving
  • Calories 50Calories from Fat 30
  • % Daily Value*
  • Total Fat  3.5g %5
    • Saturated Fat  0g %30
    • Trans Fat  0g
    • Cholesterol  0mg%0
    • Sodium 400mg%18
    • Total Carbohydrate  4g%1
      • Dietary Fiber  1g%4
      • Sugars  2g
    • Protein 1g
  • Vitamin A 2%• Vitamin C 4%
  • Calcium 2%• Iron 2%
  • *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie
    diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower
    depending on your calorie needs
        • Calories:
        • 2,000
        • 2,500






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Recipe Video

coming soon

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Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
92%
(11)
8%
(1)
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Vanessa S. (Durham, NC)
Good Flavor

I was excited to try this brand of sauces as I am always looking for a way to make my food more flavorful. Using one of the recipes that are offered on the site (Slow Simmerd Kale with Black Eye Peas and Carmelized onions) I tried the Yassa Traditional sauce. I really like the flavor but if I am giving an honest opinion, the heat (which I love heat) becomes overpowering taking over the flavor of the dish. The heat is not too much it's the overpowering of the rest of the flavors in the dish. However, the flavor is good.

Lastly, although it is a good flavored sauce I don't think it lives up to it's price tag. $15 is a lot and the price point doesn't match the product. I purchased from Amazon and even with being a Prime member and having free shipping there isn't a benefit because the cost on Amazon is higher and if you purchase the products through this site the shipping is $12.

I am more than likely not a repeat purchaser however due to the cost but I do think it's a flavorful sauce and if flavor and authenticness is what you desire you will get both with this sauce.

User picture User picture

Thank you for your thoughtful review of our Yassa Traditional sauce! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the flavor.

You mentioned the heat level potentially overpowering other flavors, particularly for the Slow Simmered Kale with Black Eye Peas and Caramelized Onions recipe.

To create the perfect flavor balance, we offer two varieties: Yassa Traditional and Yassa Signature. The recipe for Slow Simmered Kale with Black Eye Peas and Caramelized Onions on our website actually calls for the Yassa Signature sauce. It's formulated with a milder heat profile and a richer blend of spices, allowing all the ingredients to shine through while adding a delightful West African touch.

Regarding the price point, we source high-quality ingredients and use a traditional slow-cooking process in small batches. This meticulous approach creates a deeper, more concentrated flavor experience – something truly unique in today's market! While it translates to higher production costs, it also guarantees exceptional quality, which is what our loyal customers trust us for.

Regarding shipping costs, our flat rate of $12 often doesn't cover the actual expense. We use glass jars that are quite heavy and require extra protection to ensure safe delivery. Furthermore, selling on platforms like Amazon carries significant fees (often exceeding 60% of sales), which contribute to the slightly higher price point on their marketplace.

While the Yassa Traditional might not have been the perfect fit for your taste preferences, we truly appreciate you giving our Yassa Traditional sauce a try.

D
Dave Milkereit (Durham, NC)
Delicious!

All of the Kitchens of Africa sauces are so delicious, each one with their own unique flavor. I especially liked this one which really spiced up our chicken dish and made for a very tasty meal. Will be ordering more!

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Priscilla D (Hollis, NH)
Spectacular With Shrimp

My husband does not usually like spicy but loved this, as I did. I sautéed large chunks of sweet onion, large chunks of red bell pepper and large chunks of seeded zucchini in a 3 qt sauté pan in a little grape seed oil on med hi heat. Added the sauce, tossed in peeled and deveined shrimp, cooked about 1 or 2 minutes until shrimp turned pink and served over rice with spritz of lime. FANTASTIC

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Stacie Brown (Philadelphia, PA)
Love it.

My 2nd time purchasing, and I am once very satisfied... will be purchasing again.

K
Kali (Alpharetta, GA)
A New Favorite!

I absolutely love this sauce! It’s delicious on salmon, it compliments it very well.

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Brett (Los Angeles, CA)

Yassa Onion Simmer Sauce (traditional)

K
Kathryn Kellam (Alexandria, VA)
Another Excellent Sauce!

Yassa Traditional is a beautiful meld of flavors for those of us who relish savory dishes. We love combining this sauce with ground turkey and chopped mushrooms (King Trumpet or Shiitake) and serving it over brown rice with a little fresh fruit on the side. So easy and so delicious! An easy dish for weeknights or for company. 🙂

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Donna S. (Brunswick, ME)
Perfect for a wedding gift basket

We’ll soon be attending a Ghanaian wedding and I wanted to put together a gift that would be meaningful. I bought a woven basket and am putting the sauces I ordered in it with some other spices, kitchen things and linens.

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Katicha Williams

I love your sauces
Thank you

C
Christopher Mackey (Medford, MA)
Amazing

I’ve had all of Kitchens of Africa’s products. Each one is incredibly flavorful and interesting. The very best part of the sauces is that you can cook really complex meals (see some of their recipes) or simply simmer a protein and vegetables and serve over rice. My family, including our young children, love the sauces. Highly recommended.

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