Rougaille de Poisson Salé aux Légumes
A flavorful Comorian dish featuring rehydrated salt cod simmered in a rich tomato and onion sauce (rougaille), enhanced with a medley of fresh vegetables. This dish showcases the Comorian love for bold flavors and the use of preserved ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Salt cod (bacalhau)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(ripe, chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 100 g Green beans(trimmed and cut)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste (cod is salty))
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the salt cod thoroughly under cold water. Place in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 12-24 hours in the refrigerator, changing the water 2-3 times, until most of the salt is removed. Drain and cut the cod into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped bell pepper, and diced carrot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 4
Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and the cut green beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Add the desalted cod pieces to the pot. Stir gently to coat the fish with the vegetable and spice mixture.
- 7
Add about 1/2 cup of water (or more if needed to create a saucy consistency). Season with salt (taste first, as cod can be salty) and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve hot, typically with steamed rice or mkatra foutra (Comorian flatbread).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The soaking time for the salt cod is crucial to remove excess salt. Taste a small piece of the soaked cod to check for saltiness before adding more salt to the dish.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- ✓For a spicier rougaille, add more chili flakes or a fresh chopped chili pepper.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of white vinegar in the last few minutes of cooking for a touch of acidity.
- Some recipes include a small amount of tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.