Entree: Equatorial Guinea – Northern Culinary Region – Kondre (Hearty palm-oil plantain and fish stew)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 3 tbsp (45 ml) palm oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, about 0.5 oz (15 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, about 1 lb (450 g) total
- 2 smoked mackerel, filleted and bones removed, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) roasted peanut butter or smooth ground peanuts
- 2 cups (480 ml) fish or light chicken stock
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional), about 0.5 oz (15 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime juice
- Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the palm oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add the smoked paprika and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and peanut butter, stirring to combine. Cook 3–4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
4. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the plantain chunks and the whole scotch bonnet pepper if using. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer gently until the plantains are tender, about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the peanut-tomato base meld.
6. Flake the smoked mackerel into large pieces, removing any remaining bones, and stir into the stew. Simmer 3–5 more minutes to heat the fish through and let flavors combine.
7. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.
8. Serve hot over cooked white rice or with fufu, ensuring each portion gets plantain, fish, and sauce.