RecipesBeninPoulet et Tilapia en Sauce Gombo

Poulet et Tilapia en Sauce Gombo

A flavorful dish combining chicken and tilapia in a rich okra-based sauce, often served with rice or fufu.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Poulet et Tilapia en Sauce Gombo - Benin traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken pieces
  • 400 g Tilapia fillets(cut into chunks)
  • 500 g Okra(fresh or frozen, chopped)
  • 1 large Onion(chopped)
  • 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp Crayfish powder
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 2 cups Water

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides, then remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  4. 4

    Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add water, crayfish powder, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through.

  5. 5

    Add the chopped okra to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Gently add the tilapia chunks to the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

  7. 7

    Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot with rice, fufu, or your favorite starch.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a smoother sauce, you can blend some of the okra before adding it.
  • Don't overcook the tilapia, as it can become dry.
  • Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.

🔄 Variations

  • Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  • Use shrimp or other firm fish instead of tilapia.

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