Saka Saka with Fish
A traditional Beninese dish made from pounded cassava leaves, often cooked with fish and palm oil, offering a rich and earthy flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, pounded or finely chopped)
- 500 g Fish(e.g., tilapia, catfish, or mackerel, cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 200 ml Palm oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 optional Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 optional Stock cube
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cassava leaves, wash them thoroughly and pound or finely chop them. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water.
💡 Tip: Ensure cassava leaves are well pounded for a smoother texture. - 2
Season the fish pieces with salt and a pinch of stock cube if using. Set aside.
- 3
In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, forming a sauce, about 10 minutes.
- 6
Add the pounded cassava leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine with the tomato-onion base.
- 7
Add the seasoned fish pieces on top of the cassava leaves. Do not stir vigorously at this stage to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
💡 Tip: Arrange fish evenly over the leaves. - 8
Add a little water (about 1/2 cup) and a stock cube if desired. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, or until the cassava leaves are tender and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: Add more water gradually if the mixture becomes too dry. - 9
Stir gently to combine everything. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
💡 Tip: Adjust salt to taste. - 10
Serve hot, typically with boiled yams, plantains, or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure cassava leaves are cooked thoroughly as they can be toxic if not prepared properly.
- ✓The texture of Saka Saka can vary; some prefer it smoother, others chunkier.
- ✓Adjust the amount of palm oil and scotch bonnet pepper to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add smoked fish or dried shrimp for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or bitter leaves.
- Use beef or chicken instead of fish.