Mbika ya Mbisi
Pumpkin Seed Pudding with Fish
Mbika ya Mbisi is a unique Congolese dish where pumpkin seeds are processed into a flour and then steamed in banana leaves with fish and vegetables. It offers a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of spice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Roasted pumpkin seeds(shells removed)
- 2 tbsp Palm oil(or peanut oil)
- 1 Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic(pressed)
- 2 cm Ginger(grated)
- 2 Habanero pepper(finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat))
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 0.5 tsp Crushed caraway seeds
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 120 ml Vegetable broth
- 0.5 bunch Parsley(chopped)
- 150 g Smoked fish(cleaned, deboned, and flaked)
- 4 Banana leaves(or aluminum foil, for wrapping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Roast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the palm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, pressed garlic, grated ginger, and chopped habanero pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add the thyme, nutmeg, caraway seeds, and salt to the skillet. Stir well.
- 4
In a food processor, pulverize the roasted pumpkin seeds into a flour. Some small pieces may remain.
- 5
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin seed flour with the vegetable broth, chopped parsley, and the sautéed vegetable mixture from the skillet. Mix until a thick, moist dough forms. Stir in the flaked smoked fish.
- 6
Warm the banana leaves briefly over a low flame or in a hot oven to make them pliable. Cut them into large rectangular pieces.
- 7
Divide the Mbika mixture into four portions. Place each portion onto a banana leaf and wrap tightly to form a parcel. Secure with kitchen string or tie the foil.
- 8
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- 9
Place the wrapped parcels on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
- 10
Serve hot, unwrapped from the banana leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If smoked fish is unavailable, you can use other types of firm white fish, seasoned and lightly pan-fried.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓The consistency of the dough should be moist and crumbly, but hold together when formed into parcels.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes use a mix of pumpkin and melon seeds.
- Vegetables like finely chopped butternut squash can be added to the filling.