Kajaik (South Sudanese Fish Stew)
In short: Fish simmered in a thick sauce of golden onions, tomatoes, garlic and chili, served with kisra, aseeda or rice. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 360 kcal
Fish is a familiar food near the Nile, its tributaries and the lakes of South Sudan, and kajaik is the name given to a fish stew there. Recipes differ from home to home, so this version simmers fresh tilapia in a sauce of golden onion, tomato, garlic and chili until it is rich and slightly sweet. Serve it with kisra, aseeda or rice to mop up the sauce. A tip covers a dried fish variation.
Instructions
- Toss the fish with the lime juice and 1/2 tsp of the salt. Rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onions for 10 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown.
- Add the garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 8 minutes, until thick and the oil begins to separate.
- Add the water, whole chili, pepper and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- If using peanut butter, whisk it with a ladle of the hot sauce until smooth and stir it in.
- Slide in the fish and simmer gently for 10 minutes, without stirring, until opaque and flaking (63°C/145°F).
- Stir in the coriander, taste and adjust the salt. Serve hot with kisra, aseeda or rice.
Tips
- For a dried fish version, soak 150 g (5 oz) dried fish in warm water for 2 hours, changing the water twice, and remove the bones. Add it with the water in step 4 and use half the fresh fish.
- Add 200 g (7 oz) whole small okra with the water in step 4 for a fish and okra stew.
Questions and answers
What fish should I use for kajaik?
Tilapia, Nile perch and catfish are all good, since they hold together in a simmering sauce. Any firm white fish steaks work.
Can I make kajaik ahead?
Make the sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, then cook the fish fresh. Fish turns dry and flaky when reheated more than once.
How spicy is kajaik?
Mild to medium with one whole chili. Burst the chili for more heat, or leave it out and serve hot sauce on the side.
How long does it take to make Kajaik (South Sudanese Fish Stew)?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kajaik (South Sudanese Fish Stew)?
About 360 kcal per serving, with 39 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 360 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
