Ngege
Ngege Recipe from Kenya: Learn to Make Groundnut Sauce for Tilapia
Introduction
Ngege is a popular dish in Kenya, made with fresh Ngege fish and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its delicious taste and unique cooking method.
History
Ngege has been a traditional dish in Kenya for many years, with the fish being a staple in the diet of many communities around Lake Victoria. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh Ngege fish
- salt
- oil
- onions
- garlic
- 1 can of tomato paste
- cajun seasoning
- paprika
- coconut milk.
How to prepare
- 1. Place a fresh Ngege on a cutting board at a 45°F (7°C) angle. Use a large kitchen knife to scrape off the scales. Cut the belly of the fish and remove all the contents. Rinse thoroughly in warm water.
- 2. Season the fish with a pinch of plain salt (no sugar or any other variety of spice yet).
- 3. Heat a quart of oil in a flat pan until the temperature reaches 350°F (177°C).
- 4. Place the fish in the pan and fry in the oil until it turns golden brown.
- 5. Chop onions and garlic, and add a teaspoon of oil to a hot sufuria (pan).
- 6. Once the onions turn brown, open a can of tomato paste (Hunt's) and empty it into the sufuria.
- 7. Add three glasses of water to the broth. Season with a little Cajun seasoning, paprika, and coconut milk.
- 8. Gently place each fish in the sufuria and cover. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 9. The fish is best served with Ugali (no salt please...-), Sukuma wiki, cabbages, or any other vegetable.
Variations
- Add some chopped bell peppers or chili for a spicy kick.
- Use different spices such as curry powder or turmeric for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute the coconut milk with cream for a richer sauce.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to thoroughly clean the fish before cooking to remove any scales or impurities.
- Fry the fish until it is golden brown to ensure a crispy texture.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially when it comes to the coconut milk and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Ngege is best served with Ugali, Sukuma wiki, cabbages, or any other vegetable of your choice.
Cooking Techniques
Frying the fish until golden brown
- Simmering the fish in the tomato-based sauce for maximum flavor absorption
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any firm white fish if Ngege fish is not available
- Substitute coconut milk with cream or yogurt for a different texture
Make Ahead Tips
Ngege can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Ngege on a bed of steamed rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Ngege pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Ngege typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the size of the fish and the amount of sauce used.
Carbohydrates
Ngege is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the tomato paste and vegetables used in the sauce.
Fats
The main source of fat in Ngege comes from the oil used for frying the fish and cooking the sauce. Coconut milk also adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to the dish.
Proteins
Ngege is a high-protein dish, with the fish being the main source of protein. Fish is a lean protein that is rich in essential amino acids.
Vitamins and minerals
Ngege is a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially from the vegetables used in the sauce. Onions and garlic are rich in antioxidants, while tomatoes provide vitamin C and potassium.
Alergens
Ngege may contain allergens such as fish and coconut milk. It is important to check for any allergies before consuming this dish.
Summary
Overall, Ngege is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Summary
Ngege is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a crispy fried fish and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a recipe for Ngege, a traditional dish from my homeland in Kenya. I had heard about Ngege before, but I had never actually tried making it myself. The recipe had been passed down to me by my own grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories of my childhood came flooding back.
I remember watching my grandmother in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she prepared our meals. She never needed a recipe book - everything she made was from memory, passed down through generations. I would sit at the kitchen table, my eyes wide with fascination, as she told me stories of where each recipe came from and the special occasions it was made for.
Ngege was a dish that was reserved for special celebrations in our family. It was a dish that required time and patience to make, but the end result was always worth it. The main ingredient was fresh tilapia fish, which was abundant in the rivers near our village. The fish was marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until tender.
I remember the first time I helped my grandmother make Ngege. I was just a young girl, but I was eager to learn the secrets of her cooking. She showed me how to clean and gut the fish, how to mix the spices just right, and how to wrap the fish in banana leaves so that it would steam perfectly. As we worked together in the kitchen, she shared stories of her own childhood and the lessons she had learned from her own mother.
As the Ngege steamed on the stove, filling the kitchen with its fragrant aroma, my grandmother told me about the importance of passing down recipes through generations. She explained that each dish carried with it a piece of our family history, a connection to our roots and our ancestors. I listened intently, absorbing every word she said, determined to carry on the tradition of Ngege in my own family one day.
When the Ngege was finally ready, my grandmother and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The fish was tender and flavorful, the spices melding together perfectly. As we ate, my grandmother told me more stories about the origins of Ngege and the special occasions it had been made for in the past. I felt a deep sense of pride knowing that I was now a part of that tradition, that I had helped to create something so special and meaningful.
From that day on, Ngege became a regular dish in our household. I would make it for family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays, always taking care to follow my grandmother's recipe to the letter. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my past, to the generations of women who had come before me and who had passed down this special dish.
As I grew older and had children of my own, I continued to make Ngege for my family. I shared the stories and traditions with my own children, teaching them the importance of preserving our heritage through food and cooking. And now, as a grandmother myself, I see that same sense of excitement in my own grandchildren when they help me make Ngege in the kitchen.
The recipe for Ngege is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a link to my past, a connection to my family and my culture. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the love and dedication that went into creating this dish, and the generations of women who came before me.
Categories
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