Entree: Equatorial Guinea – Southern Culinary Region – Smoked Fish with Yuca (Smoked whole fish served with boiled yuca and a hot palm-oil tomato sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 25 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 2 smoked whole fish, approx. 10 oz (280 g) each, cleaned and filleted (e.g., smoked mackerel or smoked sierra)
- 2 lb (900 g) yuca (cassava), peeled and cut into 2–3 inch pieces
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt for boiling yuca
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) red palm oil (or substitute 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil plus 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups / 240 g)
- 1 small hot chili (habanero or aji), seeded and finely chopped, or to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or light fish stock
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and cut yuca in a large pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt, and simmer over medium heat until fork-tender, about 20–30 minutes depending on piece size. Drain, remove the fibrous core from each piece, and keep warm.
2. While the yuca cooks, heat the palm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped chili and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and the mixture becomes saucy, about 6–8 minutes. Add the water or fish stock and simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Flake the smoked fish into large pieces, discarding any tough bones, and add to the skillet. Gently fold the fish into the sauce to warm through, taking care not to over-stir and break the fish completely. Season with lime juice, salt, and black pepper; adjust to taste.
5. To serve, place warm yuca on a platter and spoon the smoked fish and palm-oil tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and an extra wedge of lime if desired.