Makayabu (Congolese Salt Fish in Tomato and Onion Sauce)
In short: Soaked salted fish flaked into a savory sauce of fried onion, tomato, garlic and chili, served with rice, fufu or beans. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Makayabu is the Congolese word for salted dried fish, a pantry staple that keeps well far from the coast. Once it has been soaked and boiled to remove the salt, the fish is simmered with onion, tomato, garlic and chili into a rich red sauce that is spooned over rice or eaten with fufu and madesu. It is a Sunday dish in many homes, and the soaking is the only part that takes planning.
Instructions
- Soak the salt fish in a large bowl of cold water in the fridge for 24 hours, changing the water 3 or 4 times. Thick pieces may need up to 36 hours.
- Drain the fish, cover with fresh water and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain again, then taste a flake. If it is still very salty, boil it once more in fresh water.
- Flake the fish into large pieces, discarding the skin and bones, and pat dry.
- Heat the oil in a wide pan and fry the onions over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic for 1 minute, then the tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, chili and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes, until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
- Stir the fish into the sauce and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Taste before adding any salt, since the fish may still carry some. Scatter with parsley and serve with rice, fufu or beans.
Tips
- Salt fish varies a lot between brands. Taste a flake after the last boil, and soak or boil again if it still tastes harsh, before it goes into the sauce.
- Smoked fish or fresh tilapia can replace the salt fish. Skip the soaking and add the fish to the sauce for the last 5 to 10 minutes.
Questions and answers
How long does salt fish need to soak?
At least 24 hours in the fridge, with the water changed 3 or 4 times. Thick pieces may need up to 36 hours, followed by a short boil.
Can I use salt cod for makayabu?
Yes. Salt cod is the closest match, and pollock or other salted white fish also work.
What do you serve with makayabu?
Rice and fufu are the usual partners. Madesu beans, pondu and fried plantains make it a full Congolese meal.
How long does it take to make Makayabu (Congolese Salt Fish in Tomato and Onion Sauce)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Makayabu (Congolese Salt Fish in Tomato and Onion Sauce)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 36 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
