Cameroonian dish, Ndole, is a stew that got its name from the bitter leaf (locally called ndole) that is used in preparing this meal.
The main ingredients, Bitter leaf, is one of those vegetables that can be cultivated anywhere as oppose to certain vegetables that can only flourish in certain temperatures and places. Ndolé is an aromatic Cameroonian spinach stew that is made of spinach and bitter leaves. The stew is flavoured with crayfish and garlic, and fortified with beef and shrimps. It is one of the most sought after dishes in Cameroon and is considered as a comfort food by the locals
Below is a way of making Nodle:
Ingredients
- Washed bitter leaves (as many as you want)
- 1 large Onion ( sliced)
- 1 pound (about 2 cups )Groundnuts/Peanuts(Skinless)
- 1/2 Kg of shrimp
- 1/2 Kg of stock fish
- 1/2- 1 pound Stew beef (to be cut in little pieces)
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 3/4 cup Crayfish
- 1 Seasoning cube
- 3 cups of oil
- Salt to taste
Guide on how to make Ndole
- The meat should be boiled in a large pan seasoned with salt, seasoning and onions and to be boiled until it is tender depending on the choice of meat. Along the side you can boil the stock fish with salt and water; add it to the boiled meat.
- Boil peanuts for about 10 minutes in a sauce pan. Let it cool and blend/pulse in a food processor or blender into a fine consistency use water to facilitate the blending .Add to the mixture of beef and stock fish.
- Blend one onion and garlic into a fine paste and add to the mixture of peanuts and meat.
- Pour in the crayfish and let it simmer for 10 minutes stirring frequently to prevent burns. Season with salt and Maggi. You might have to add more later
- Add the bitter leaves or spinach to the pot. Stir and simmer for several minutes more
- While the pot of ndole is simmering, heat oil in a fry pan or, preferably a cast iron. Add the shrimp, stirring constantly until they just turn pink. Slice and add the remaining onions stir for a few more minutes.
- Incorporate the mixture of shrimp, onions and oil into the pot of Ndole. Stir for a few minutes and serve hot.
It can be served along side boiled plantain or yam and any swallow of your choice.
