Okok with Plantains
Okok is a popular Cameroonian dish made from boiled and mashed cocoyam leaves, often seasoned with palm nut oil and served with various accompaniments like plantains, fish, or meat. This version focuses on the classic pairing with ripe plantains.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Cocoyam Leaves(Fresh or frozen, thoroughly washed and chopped)
- 400 ml Palm Nut Cream(Canned or freshly extracted)
- 200 g Smoked Fish(Flaked, bones removed)
- 1 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper(finely chopped (optional))
- to taste Salt
- 2 cups Water(or as needed)
- 3 medium Ripe Plantains(peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil(for frying plantains)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cocoyam leaves, wash them thoroughly multiple times to remove any grit. Chop them finely. If using frozen, thaw and chop.
- 2
In a large pot, combine the chopped cocoyam leaves with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the leaves are very tender and start to break down.
- 3
While the leaves are cooking, prepare the palm nut cream base. In a separate pot, combine the palm nut cream with 2 cups of water (or more, depending on desired consistency). Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and flaked smoked fish. Season with salt and the optional chopped Scotch bonnet pepper.
- 4
Bring the palm nut mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- 5
Once the cocoyam leaves are tender, drain any excess water. You can mash them further with a wooden spoon or a potato masher for a smoother texture, or leave them slightly chunky.
- 6
Add the cooked cocoyam leaves to the simmering palm nut sauce. Stir well to combine everything. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully integrate. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- 7
While the Okok simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the sliced plantains until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
- 8
Serve the hot Okok with the fried plantains on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good Okok is thoroughly washing the cocoyam leaves to remove any bitterness or grit.
- ✓If using fresh palm nuts, extract the oil carefully to get the cream.
- ✓Smoked fish adds a crucial depth of flavor; do not omit it if possible.
- ✓The consistency of Okok can be adjusted by adding more or less water/palm nut cream.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with boiled yams, fufu, or rice instead of plantains.
- Add other proteins like beef, chicken, or shrimp.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the fish and use vegetable broth.