Quick answer
Mbongo tchobi: The Bassa black stew made with roasted spices and an unmistakable aroma. Cameroon’s Littoral region (capital Douala) is home to this dish. Allow about 75 minutes for 6 people; difficulty: medium. It is served with boiled green plantain, cassava sticks or rice.
Key facts
- Region
- Littoral · Douala
- Time
- 75 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Servings
- 6
- Served with
- boiled green plantain, cassava sticks or rice
- When
- family meals and homecomings
Where does Mbongo tchobi come from?
Mbongo tchobi is the great black stew of the Bassa people, between Édéa and the Sanaga-Maritime. Its deep colour comes from spices that are roasted and then ground, mbongo first among them, giving a smoky, slightly citrusy aroma you will not mistake for anything else. It is mostly cooked with fresh fish, sometimes with meat.
Other signature dishes of the Littoral region: Ndolè, Ndomba, Grilled fish with miondo.
What are the ingredients for Mbongo tchobi?
For 6 people:
- Mbongo spice
- Calabash nutmeg (pèbè)
- Grains of Selim
- Njangsa
- Green plantain
- Fresh fish or meat (buy locally)
How do you make Mbongo tchobi? Step-by-step recipe
- Grind the mbongo spice with calabash nutmeg, grains of Selim, njangsa, garlic and ginger into a black paste.
- Coat the fish pieces with half the paste and rest for 20 min.
- Sauté an onion in oil, add the rest of the paste and 500 ml water; simmer 10 min.
- Lay the fish in and cook gently for 15 min without stirring.
- Serve with boiled green plantain.
Tips for a perfect Mbongo tchobi
- Dry-roast the spices before grinding them: roasting is what turns the sauce black.
- Let the fish marinate in the spice paste for at least 20 minutes.
- Do not stir once the fish is in: gently shake the pot instead.
What to serve with Mbongo tchobi
Traditionally it is served with boiled green plantain, cassava sticks or rice. It is a dish for family meals and homecomings.
Where to buy Mbongo tchobi ingredients in Europe and North America
Outside Cameroon, the dry and frozen ingredients for Mbongo tchobi are often hard to find. Our kit gathers them, checked and packed in Douala, and delivers them across Europe, the UK, the US and Canada, including Paris, Brussels, London, Montreal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mbongo tchobi?
The Bassa black stew made with roasted spices and an unmistakable aroma. It comes from Cameroon’s Littoral region.
How long does Mbongo tchobi take to make?
About 75 minutes for 6 people.
What do you eat Mbongo tchobi with?
With boiled green plantain, cassava sticks or rice.
Can you cook Mbongo tchobi outside Cameroon?
Yes. Our kit brings together the hard-to-find ingredients; only everyday fresh items need to be bought locally.
