East Africa · Side
Kily sy Sakay (Spicy tamarind and bird's eye chili paste)
A fiery, tangy Malagasy condiment blending sour tamarind pulp with pounded bird's eye chilies, garlic, and sea salt.
The story
Hailing from the arid western and southern coastal territories of the Sakalava and Mahafaly people, Kily sy Sakay is an indispensable condiment for grilled meats (masikita) and fresh seafood. The intense tropical climate inspired this vinegar-free preserving method, using the high natural acidity of wild tamarind pods. Technically, the raw paste is hand-pounded in a wooden mortar (laona) and stabilized with a hot oil scald, which blooms the capsicum oils and preserves the sauce without artificial preservatives.
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