Millet and Fish Stew
Mukhalat al-Dhan
A hearty and flavorful stew from Chad, featuring tender chunks of fish simmered with millet, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish showcases the use of millet as a staple grain and the abundance of fish available in the region.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia, Nile perch, or cod, cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Millet(rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, deseeded and chopped)
- 200 g Okra(fresh or frozen, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, diced carrots, and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Stir in the rinsed millet, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the millet is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Add the okra pieces to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the okra is tender.
- 6
Gently add the fish cubes to the stew. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 7
Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the millet is well-rinsed before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- ✓If using frozen okra, you can add it directly to the stew without thawing.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. A pinch of chili flakes can add a nice kick.
- ✓This stew can be served with a side of Kisra (Chadian flatbread) or rice.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- For a richer flavor, use fish stock instead of vegetable broth.
- A squeeze of lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.