Ecomely

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Ebi: recipe illustration
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Ebi

A preparation of pounded dried fish and palm oil, spiced with chilies, served as a side dish. Its salty, bold flavor lifts starches and leafy greens alike.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

On the side

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried fish in lukewarm water for 15 minutes to desalt and soften it, then drain and remove the bones.
  2. Pound the fish in a mortar or finely chop it with a knife until you have a coarse texture.
  3. Heat the palm oil in a pan, add the sliced onion and crushed garlic, and fry for 4 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped chilies, tomato paste and pounded fish. Stir and cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
  5. If you're using peanut paste, stir it in with a little hot water to get a creamy consistency.
  6. Add the finely sliced greens and let them wilt for 5 minutes, until tender.
  7. Taste, adjust the seasoning with pepper and a little salt if needed (the dried fish is already salty), and serve hot.

Variations and tips

Milder. Reduce the chilies to just one and add a diced fresh tomato to soften the flavor.

Making do with what's available. Dried fish is often found in African or Asian grocery stores; well-drained canned sardines can stand in, adjusting the salt accordingly.

More ideas

Original Ecomely recipe.