Torborgee (Liberian Bitter Eggplant Stew)
In short: Small bitter eggplants stewed in red palm oil with onion, hot pepper, chicken and smoked fish, a savory, slightly bitter Liberian stew served with rice. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 370 kcal
Torborgee is a stew built on bitter eggplants, the small round fruits that look like green or orange tomatoes. Liberian cooks simmer them in red palm oil with onion, hot pepper and smoked fish until they soften and thicken the sauce. The bitterness is part of the point, balanced by the oil and heat. The dish is especially associated with Lofa County in the northwest, and it is eaten with rice, boiled cassava or dumboy.
Instructions
- Put the chicken in a pot with half the onion, the garlic, salt and the water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the halved eggplants and simmer for 15 minutes, until soft enough to crush with a spoon.
- Crush about half of the eggplants against the side of the pot. Add the remaining onion, hot pepper, smoked fish and palm oil.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce is thick, the oil glistens and the chicken is tender and reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Taste and adjust the salt and heat. Serve hot with rice or boiled cassava.
Tips
- Bitter eggplants are sold at African and Brazilian grocers as garden eggs or jilo. Thai green eggplants are the best substitute.
- For a milder stew, boil the eggplants in a separate pot of water for 10 minutes and drain them before adding to the stew.
Questions and answers
Is torborgee supposed to be bitter?
Yes, a gentle bitterness is part of the flavor. The red palm oil, hot pepper and smoked fish balance it, and you can reduce it by boiling the eggplants first.
Can I make torborgee ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in the fridge for 4 days and the flavor deepens. Reheat gently and add a little water if it has thickened.
What can I use instead of palm oil?
Red palm oil gives the traditional flavor and color. Vegetable oil works in a pinch, with a spoonful of paprika for color, though the taste will be different.
How long does it take to make Torborgee (Liberian Bitter Eggplant Stew)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Torborgee (Liberian Bitter Eggplant Stew)?
About 370 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 24 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 370 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
