Quick answer
Nnam ngon: Egusi seed cake steamed in leaves, with fish or meat. Cameroon’s Centre region (capital Yaoundé) is home to this dish. Allow about 120 minutes for 6 people; difficulty: medium. It is served with plantain, cassava sticks or miondo.
Key facts
- Region
- Centre · Yaoundé
- Time
- 120 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Servings
- 6
- Served with
- plantain, cassava sticks or miondo
- When
- celebrations and ceremonial meals
Where does Nnam ngon come from?
Nnam ngon, or egusi pudding, is a cake of ground melon seeds steamed in leaves and emblematic of the Centre region. Rich and fragrant, it accompanies big meals and keeps well, which makes it a dish for travelling.
Other signature dishes of the Centre region: Okok, Sanga, Bobolo with groundnut sauce.
What are the ingredients for Nnam ngon?
For 6 people:
- Ground egusi
- Wrapping leaves
- Dried shrimp (njanga)
- Dried chili
- Smoked fish (optional) (buy locally)
How do you make Nnam ngon? Step-by-step recipe
- Mix the ground egusi with water into a soft paste.
- Add ground shrimp, chili, onion, salt and, if you like, smoked fish.
- Wrap in leaves into tight parcels.
- Steam for 1 h to 1 h 30.
- Serve with plantain or cassava.
Tips for a perfect Nnam ngon
- The egusi paste should be soft, neither runny nor stiff.
- Add flaked smoked fish for more flavour.
- Steam for a long time for a firm texture.
What to serve with Nnam ngon
Traditionally it is served with plantain, cassava sticks or miondo. It is a dish for celebrations and ceremonial meals.
Where to buy Nnam ngon ingredients in Europe and North America
Outside Cameroon, the dry and frozen ingredients for Nnam ngon 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 Nnam ngon?
Egusi seed cake steamed in leaves, with fish or meat. It comes from Cameroon’s Centre region.
How long does Nnam ngon take to make?
About 120 minutes for 6 people.
What do you eat Nnam ngon with?
With plantain, cassava sticks or miondo.
Can you cook Nnam ngon outside Cameroon?
Yes. Our kit brings together the hard-to-find ingredients; only everyday fresh items need to be bought locally.
