Poisson Fumé Sauce Tomate Pistaches
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring smoked fish cooked in a rich tomato and groundnut (pistachio) sauce, a delightful Cameroonian specialty.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Smoked fish(cleaned and flaked (e.g., tilapia, catfish))
- 200 g Groundnuts (pistachios)(roasted and ground into a coarse powder)
- 1 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 0.5 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 300 ml Water or fish broth
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(ground)
- 1 tbsp Crayfish powder(optional, for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the smoked fish thoroughly to remove excess salt and debris. If the fish is in large pieces, break it down into smaller, manageable flakes.
- 2
In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and darkened slightly.
- 5
Add the groundnut (pistachio) powder to the sauce. Stir well to combine and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- 6
Pour in the water or fish broth, add the flaked smoked fish, crayfish powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further. Stir occasionally.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be rich and savory.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the smoked fish is well-cleaned, as it can be quite salty.
- ✓The texture of the groundnut powder can be adjusted to your preference; a coarser grind will give a more rustic texture.
- ✓This dish pairs well with boiled plantains, yams, or rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add some chopped bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- If smoked fish is unavailable, you can use fresh fish, but ensure it's cooked through in the sauce.