Mbahal Gerrteh
Mbahal Gerrteh is a hearty and flavorful Gambian dish that combines rice with a savory mixture of smoked fish, ground peanuts, and local vegetables. It's a staple, particularly appreciated for its affordability and rich taste, often prepared with ingredients like locust beans, green peppers, and bitter tomatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Smoked fish(cleaned, deboned, and flaked)
- 100 g Salted dried fish(soaked to remove excess salt, deboned, and flaked)
- 2 cups Long-grain rice
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 0.5 cup Ground peanuts (peanut powder)
- 1 tablespoon Locust beans(optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(diced)
- 1 small Bitter tomato (garden egg)(diced, optional)
- 1 cup Okra(fresh or dried, chopped)
- 3 tablespoons Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water(or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1 cube Maggi or Jumbo cubes(crumbled, optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish: If using salted dried fish, soak it in warm water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess salt. Then, carefully debone both the smoked and salted fish and flake the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure all bones are removed from the fish to avoid choking hazards. - 2
In a large pot, heat the palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture is fragrant, about 5-8 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Add the ground peanuts, locust beans (if using), and Maggi cube (if using). Mix well to combine.
- 5
Add the diced green bell pepper, bitter tomato (if using), and okra. Stir to coat the vegetables with the sauce. Pour in 3 cups of water, add salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: If using dried okra, you may need to rehydrate it slightly before adding. - 6
Add the flaked smoked and salted fish to the simmering sauce. Stir gently, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 7
While the sauce is simmering, rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
💡 Tip: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming too sticky. - 8
Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the simmering sauce. Pour in the remaining 1 cup of water, or enough to just cover the rice (about 1 inch above). Stir gently, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to low.
- 9
Let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Check periodically and add a little more water if the rice is still hard and the liquid has evaporated.
💡 Tip: Avoid stirring the rice too much once it starts cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. - 10
Once the rice is cooked and tender, gently fluff it with a fork. Serve the Mbahal Gerrteh hot, with the fish and vegetables mixed throughout the rice.
💡 Tip: This dish is traditionally eaten communally from a large bowl.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The combination of smoked and salted fish provides a complex, savory flavor base.
- ✓Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Locust beans add an umami depth, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- ✓Ensure the rice is cooked through but not mushy by monitoring the liquid levels.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, or cabbage.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the fish and add more diverse vegetables and legumes.
- Some recipes include ground egusi (melon seeds) for added texture and richness.