Togolese Pironi
Okra Stew
Pironi is a flavorful okra stew from Togo, often prepared with fish or meat, and seasoned with local spices. It's known for its slightly slimy texture, which is characteristic of okra-based dishes in West African cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Okra(fresh, trimmed and sliced)
- 400 g Fish (e.g., tilapia or sea bream)(cut into pieces, or substitute with chicken or beef)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons Palm oil
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 1 tablespoon Crayfish powder(optional)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Water or fish broth
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the fish pieces, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), crayfish powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the fish is lightly seared.
- 5
Add the sliced okra and water or fish broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rice, fufu, or boiled yams.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a less slimy texture, you can boil the okra separately for a few minutes before adding it to the stew.
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute fish with chicken thighs or beef chunks.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For a richer flavor, use smoked fish.