Cameroonian Ndomba: a traditional Christmas dish made from fish and spices

Ndomba , also known as "fish en papillote" or "fish in banana leaves," is a traditional dish of the Bantu and forest peoples of Cameroon. This festive dish, often prepared for special occasions like Christmas, consists of a whole fish or fillets marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, then cooked in banana leaves for a smoky and fragrant flavor. Naturally gluten-free, Ndomba is an ideal and light recipe for Christmas and a great way to discover the flavors of Cameroonian cuisine.

Preparation time 20 mins

Cooking time 30 mins

Rest time for 1 hour

Total time 1 hr 50 mins

Difficulty: beginner

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 whole fish (sea bass, tilapia, or captain)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 green pepper, cut into small cubes
1 bunch of parsley, chopped
1 bunch of basil or mint, chopped
1 chili pepper (optional, according to your taste)
1 piece of fresh ginger (about 2 cm)
2 Tbsp palm oil (or vegetable oil)
1 gluten-free stock cube (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh banana leaves (or aluminum foil as a substitute)
1 tomato, cut into small cubes

Preparation

1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the onion, garlic, pepper, tomato, parsley, basil (or mint), grated ginger and chili pepper (if using). Add the oil, crumbled stock cube (if using), salt and pepper. Mix well to form a fragrant marinade.
2
Marinate the fish: Rinse the fish and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly score the skin of the fish (or fillets) to allow the flavors to penetrate. Rub the marinade generously over the fish, inside and out, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
3
Prepare the banana leaves if you are using them, otherwise use aluminum or baking paper: Pass the banana leaves quickly over a flame to soften them and prevent them from tearing. Cut them into large sections that can wrap around the fish.
4
Wrap the fish: Place the marinated fish in the center of a banana leaf (or aluminum), then fold the edges to form a tightly closed foil. If necessary, use a string to hold the foil in place.
5
Cooking Ngond'a Mukon: Preheat the oven to 180°C or prepare a grill. Place the fish packets in the oven or on the grill, and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and tender.
6
Serving: Carefully open the papillotes and serve the Ngond'a Mukon directly in the banana leaves for a traditional effect. Serve it with fried plantains, cassava sticks or rice for a complete meal.

Keywords: Ngond'a Mukon, fish en papillote, Cameroonian recipe, gluten-free recipe