Tigadèguèna ni Djèguè Woussou (Smoked Fish and Vegetable Stew)
Tigadèguèna ni Djèguè Woussou is a flavorful Malian stew featuring smoked fish simmered with a medley of vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. This dish highlights the importance of fish in Malian cuisine, particularly in regions near the Niger River, and its preparation often involves a combination of fresh and dried ingredients for depth of flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Smoked fish(e.g., Nile perch or catfish, flaked)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned, crushed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 200 g Okra(fresh or frozen, sliced)
- 1 medium Eggplant(cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 head Cabbage(shredded)
- 1 red Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Peanut oil
- 2 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 1-2 fresh Chili peppers(whole, or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 3
Add the vegetable broth or water, sliced carrots, cubed eggplant, and whole chili peppers. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- 4
Add the sliced okra and shredded cabbage to the pot. Stir well and continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Gently stir in the flaked smoked fish and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes more, allowing the fish to heat through and the flavors to combine.
- 6
Season the stew with salt to taste. Stir in the lime juice just before serving.
- 7
Serve hot, traditionally with rice or millet porridge.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using dried smoked fish, rehydrate it in warm water for about 30 minutes before flaking.
- ✓For a spicier stew, slit the chili peppers before adding them.
- ✓Ensure the smoked fish is well flaked to distribute its flavor throughout the stew.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans.
- For a richer flavor, a small amount of peanut butter can be stirred into the sauce.
- If smoked fish is unavailable, fresh firm white fish can be used, though the flavor profile will differ.