Entree: Cameroon – Northern Culinary Region – Kwacoco Bible (Steamed grated cassava and cocoyam cakes served with a spicy smoked-fish and peanut palm-oil sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 1 hr

Total 1 hr 40 min

Ingredients

For the kwacoco:
- 2 lb (900 g) cassava, peeled and grated (or 2 lb (900 g) grated cocoyam or a 50/50 mix)
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- Banana leaves or parchment for wrapping (enough to make 8 parcels)
For the bible sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) palm oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 g) tomato paste
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked fish, deboned and flaked
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) peanut butter (smooth)
- 1–2 hot peppers (scotch bonnet or similar), finely chopped, to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or fish stock
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1 bunch (approx. 6 oz / 170 g) spinach or cassava leaves, roughly chopped (optional, for the sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the kwacoco: squeeze excess liquid from the grated cassava/cocoyam in a clean cloth, then transfer to a bowl. Stir in the coconut milk and salt until evenly combined and the mixture is slightly tacky.
2. Portion the mixture into 8 equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in banana leaves or parchment, folding and securing the edges to form sealed parcels.
3. Steam the parcels in a steamer or large pot with a rack over simmering water for 45–60 minutes, until the kwacoco is firm and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
4. Make the bible sauce: heat the palm oil and vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste; cook until the tomato breaks down and the oil begins to color, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter and gradually whisk in the water or stock to form a smooth sauce.
6. Add the flaked smoked fish, chopped hot peppers, salt and black pepper. If using, stir in the chopped greens. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors, thinning with a little water if necessary.
7. To serve, unwrap the kwacoco parcels, slice or scoop portions onto plates and ladle the spicy bible sauce over or alongside.