Garba (Ivorian Fried Tuna with Attiéké)
In short: Crisp fried tuna served on a mound of steamed cassava couscous with chopped tomato, onion and chili and a drizzle of hot oil. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 15 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 510 kcal
Garba is the cheap, filling street meal that many Abidjan workers eat at lunchtime: fried tuna served on a heap of attiéké, with chopped tomato, onion, chili and a drizzle of hot oil. The tuna is cut into thick pieces and fried until the outside turns crisp. Garba is eaten with the fingers, pressing the attiéké into a ball and breaking off bits of fish. Use fresh or frozen attiéké, steamed until hot.
Instructions
- Toss the tuna with the lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper and leave for 15 minutes. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels.
- Heat the frying oil to 180°C (350°F) in a deep, heavy pan. Fry the tuna in two batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until crisp outside and cooked through, 63°C (145°F). Drain on paper towels.
- Put the attiéké in a pot with the water. Cover and steam over low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until hot all through.
- Fluff the attiéké with a fork and stir in the 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Mix the tomatoes, onion, chili and salt in a bowl.
- Pile the attiéké on plates, top with the tuna and the tomato mixture and drizzle with the chili oil, if using. Serve at once.
Tips
- Use thick tuna pieces. Thin slices dry out before the crust forms.
- No attiéké? Steamed couscous or rice makes a fair substitute, though the sour, fermented taste of cassava will be missing.
Questions and answers
What is attiéké?
It is fermented, grated cassava that is steamed into fluffy grains like couscous. It tastes mildly sour, and fresh or frozen packs are sold in African grocery stores.
Can I use canned tuna?
It is not traditional, but you can use well-drained canned tuna mixed with chili and onion and served on the attiéké. Skip the frying step.
Is garba spicy?
Usually quite hot. Vendors add chili to the tomato and onion mix and pour hot oil over the top, but you can leave both out for a mild plate.
How long does it take to make Garba (Ivorian Fried Tuna with Attiéké)?
About 50 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garba (Ivorian Fried Tuna with Attiéké)?
About 510 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 61 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 510 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
