The West African ata sauce is based on a homemade red pepper paste. The paprika is "toasted" before it is added to bring out its characteristic flavor.

Ata Sauce
1 cup chili sauce
2 tablespoons Red Pepper Paste
1 dozen chilled cooked shrimp

Mix chili sauce and Red Pepper Paste. Serve with chilled cooked shrimp.

Red Pepper Paste
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 of a medium onion
1 small clove garlic
1/4 cup paprika

Place all ingredients except paprika in blender container. Cover and blend on high speed until smooth, scraping sides of blender frequently.

Heat paprika in 1-quart saucepan for 1 minute.

Add spice mixture gradually, stirring until smooth. Heat, stirring occasionally, until hot — about 3 minutes; cool.