Ndakala (dried fish)

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fish for 15 minutes in hot water to soften it and draw out some of the salt.
2. Rinse it, remove the biggest bones and the skin if it is very tough.
3. In a pot, heat the palm oil and fry the sliced onions until golden.
4. Add the crushed garlic, the diced tomatoes and the chopped chillies, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the drained fish and fry for 3 minutes so it soaks up the flavours.
6. Pour in the water, cover and simmer for 25 minutes over low heat.
7. Adjust the salt and pepper; the sauce should be creamy and richly coloured.
8. Serve hot with rice or foufou.