Dongo-Dongo Poisson
A flavorful and hearty okra-based stew featuring fish, often made with dried, salted, or smoked fish, and seasoned with onions, garlic, peppers, and Maggi cubes. It's a staple that showcases the importance of fish and okra in Central African cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia or cod, cut into chunks)
- 100 g Dried or smoked fish(optional, rehydrated and flaked)
- 400 g Okra(fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 or to taste Hot peppers(minced (e.g., scotch bonnet or habanero))
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 3 cups Chicken or fish broth
- 2 cubes Maggi cubes(crumbled)
- 3 tablespoons Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking soda(optional, helps thicken)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley or cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried or smoked fish, rehydrate it in warm water for about 30 minutes, then flake it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Rehydrating dried fish is crucial to remove excess salt and soften it. - 2
Heat palm oil or vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and minced hot peppers, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the chopped okra to the pot. If using fresh okra, cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring, until it starts to soften. If using frozen, add it directly.
- 6
Pour in the chicken or fish broth, add the crumbled Maggi cubes, salt, and the optional baking soda. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Baking soda can help reduce the sliminess of okra and aid in thickening. - 7
Add the fresh fish chunks and the rehydrated dried/smoked fish (if using) to the simmering broth. Stir gently.
- 8
Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the fresh fish is cooked through and the okra is tender. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. The Maggi cubes often provide enough saltiness.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a thick, stew-like consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot with rice, fufu, or chikwangue.
💡 Tip: Chikwangue is a staple made from cassava.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The type of fish used can vary greatly; smoked or dried fish adds a unique depth of flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of hot pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓If okra is particularly slimy, you can try sautéing it separately first to reduce the sliminess before adding it to the stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like chopped tomatoes or bell peppers along with the onions.
- For a richer flavor, a tablespoon of peanut butter can be stirred in towards the end of cooking.