Moulah Karkandji
Moulah Karkandji is a traditional Chadian stew that features sorrel leaves as its primary ingredient, often combined with meat or fish. It is seasoned with peanut paste or sesame flour, offering a unique and savory flavor profile. This dish is considered a delicacy in Chad and is often prepared for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or beef(cut into cubes)
- 500 g Sorrel leaves(fresh, washed and chopped)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 100 g Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, diced)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water or broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Bouillon cube(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the cubed meat to the pot and brown it on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, water or broth, and the optional bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the stew liquid until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir well to combine.
- 7
Add the chopped sorrel leaves to the stew. Stir and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sorrel leaves are wilted and tender. The stew should thicken slightly.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, traditionally with millet or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh sorrel is unavailable, you can use a combination of spinach and a little lemon juice for a similar tang.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet stew.
🔄 Variations
- Substitute fish (like tilapia or catfish) for meat for a pescatarian version.
- Add other vegetables such as diced sweet potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.