Ravitoto sy Henakisoa
Ravitoto sy Henakisoa is a beloved Malagasy dish featuring pounded cassava leaves cooked with fatty pork. It's known for its rich, savory flavor and is often prepared for special occasions. The dish is typically served with white rice and can be enhanced with coconut milk for extra creaminess.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Pork belly(preferably with bone, cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Pounded cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, available at Afro/Asian markets)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(fresh, peeled and minced)
- 1 liter Cooking oil(sunflower oil or other vegetable oil (use less if preferred))
- 1 cup Water(or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar(optional, for sweetness)
- Salt(to taste)
- Pepper(to taste)
- 0.5 cup Coconut milk(optional, for creaminess)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the pork chunks and brown them on all sides until golden, about 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the pounded cassava leaves to the pot and stir to combine with the pork and aromatics. Pour in the water and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the cassava leaves are fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
If using, stir in the optional sugar and coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- 6
Serve hot with white rice. A tomato rougail or spicy garlic-ginger sauce can be served as accompaniments.
💡 Tip: If fresh cassava leaves are unavailable, frozen pounded cassava leaves can be found at specialty stores. Ensure they are thoroughly thawed before use.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ravitoto is traditionally a high-fat dish, so don't be shy with the oil if you want an authentic taste.
- ✓The quality of the pork is crucial for the flavor of this dish.
- ✓If you don't eat pork, beef or chicken can be substituted, though the flavor profile will change.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of ground peanuts for a nutty flavor.
- A splash of lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors.