Gambian Ebbeh
Seafood and Vegetable Stew
Ebbeh is a flavorful and chunky seafood and vegetable stew, a staple in Gambian cuisine. It features a rich blend of fish, vegetables, and palm oil, often with a hint of tamarind for a unique tang.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Assorted seafood(e.g., catfish, bonga fish, prawns, crabs (cleaned and cut))
- 0.5 cup Palm oil
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Scotch bonnet peppers(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 300 g Cassava(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 200 g Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 150 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 2 cubes Seasoning cubes(crumbled)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 3 cups Water(or as needed)
- Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and chopped scotch bonnet peppers, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to break down.
- 4
Stir in the cassava chunks, sweet potato chunks, and sliced okra. Add the tamarind paste, crumbled seasoning cubes, lime juice, water, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cassava and sweet potatoes are tender.
- 6
Add the assorted seafood to the pot. Stir gently and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, traditionally with rice or fufu.
💡 Tip: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your seafood is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper for desired heat.
- ✓Tamarind paste can be found in most international or Asian grocery stores.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or garden eggs.
- Smoked fish can be added for an extra layer of flavor.