Chambo Ndiwo (Malawian Fried Tilapia in Tomato Stew)
Local name: Ndiwo ya chambo
In short: Whole tilapia fried until golden, then finished in a simple tomato, onion and chili sauce. Served with nsima, the way it is eaten near Lake Malawi. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
Chambo is the prized fish of Lake Malawi, a close relative of tilapia. Cooks fry it whole, then simmer it briefly in a tomato and onion gravy to make ndiwo, the relish that goes beside nsima. The gravy is loose and sharp, made to be scooped up with the porridge. Tilapia is an easy substitute anywhere that chambo cannot be found.
Instructions
- Cut 3 shallow slashes into each side of the fish. Rub with the lemon juice and the 1 tsp salt and leave for 15 minutes. Pat dry.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wide heavy pan over medium-high heat. Fry the fish for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and the flesh turns opaque. Lift out onto a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Cook the onions over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and chili for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and the 1/2 tsp salt and cook for 10 minutes, mashing them down, until they turn thick and saucy. Pour in the water and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slide the fish back into the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook gently for 6 to 8 minutes until the fish reaches 63°C (145°F) and flakes easily.
- Scatter with coriander if you like and serve straight away with nsima or rice.
Tips
- Tilapia, bream or any whole freshwater fish of about 500 g works. For a quicker meal, use fillets and cut the frying time to 3 minutes per side.
- Pat the fish very dry before frying so the skin crisps and does not stick. A well-heated pan helps too.
Questions and answers
What is chambo?
Chambo is the local name for several tilapia-like fish from Lake Malawi, with soft white flesh and a mild flavor. Tilapia is the closest widely available match.
Can I make this with fillets?
Yes. Use 4 fillets of about 150 g each and fry them for 3 minutes per side. Simmer them in the sauce for just 3 minutes.
What goes well with chambo ndiwo?
Nsima is the classic partner, with a side of cooked greens. Rice also works well for soaking up the sauce.
How long does it take to make Chambo Ndiwo (Malawian Fried Tilapia in Tomato Stew)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chambo Ndiwo (Malawian Fried Tilapia in Tomato Stew)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
