GUINEA: Yam Porridge (Ketoun) and Avocado Salad (Saladi de Piyas)

This recipe calls for a dried fish called bonga, but anchovy paste is a good US substitute. That being noted, I felt like I was cooking for a pregnant woman, duo the inclusion of peanut putter and anchovy paste in the dish. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome; they melded nicely creating a sweet umami. Depending on how large or small you cube the sweet potatoes, the consistency of the ketoun ranges from a uniform porridge to clearly defined cubes.

Yam Porridge (Ketoun)

3 medium sweet potatoes and/or yams (feel free to mix colors)

1 taro or cassava root

2 medium yellow onions

3 scallions

⅓ cup natural peanut butter

1 tablespoon anchovy paste

⅓ cup red palm oil or coconut oil

Cooked fish filet or steak, optional

Ripe plantain, optional

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and root vegetables and cut into medium size cubes, ~2". Place in a medium pot, sauté pan, or skillet, ideally non stick, and cover with water just higher than the potatoes. Place over high heat on the stove.

2. While it the potatoes are coming to temperature, finely chop the onions and scallions. When the potato water comes to a boil turn to medium heat, add the onions, scallions, peanut butter, and anchovy paste.

3. Let the mixture cook on medium high for 15 minutes, then add the palm oil, and the fish and/or plantain, if using.

4. Once the the mixture starts thickening, lower the heat to low, and taste for seasoning. Cook until all the water disappears and the oil rises to the top.

Avocado Salad (Saladi de Piyas)

3 eggs

2 barely ripe avocados

2 small tomatoes, such as Roma

1 large Persian cucumber

½ scallion

1 tablespoon mayonaise

1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice

2 tablespoons canola or olive oil

Pinch of Maggi powder, optional

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Steam or boil eggs until hard boiled, ~11 minutes.

2. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and use a paring knife to cut into cubes in skin. Use a large spon to remove the cubed pieces.

3. Core and chop the tomatoes into small dice. Cube the cucumbers into small dice. Finley slice the scallions. In a medium mix bowl, mix together the tomatoes, cucumbers, and scallions. Top with the avocado, but do not mix yet.

4. When eggs are cooked, peel them. Use a paring knife to half, and place the yolks in a small bowl. Cut the whites into large dice and place on top of the avocado in the medium bowl.

5. Smash hard-boiled egg yolks with a fork, then add the mayonnaise, vinegar or lemon juice, and oil. If using Maggi powder, add to the mixture. Stir well. Pour over veggies and egg whites in the medium bowl and toss gently to combine.

#kajaik #fishstew #gurasa #flatbread #yogurtdip #feta #mish #southsudan

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FUN FACTS:

• While Guinea looks patriarchal from the outside, some ethnic groups within the country have an equally powerful matriarchal society

• The Center d’Art Acrobatique Keita Fodeba in Conakry is famed for training some of the world's greatest acrobats and contortionists.

• Nobody actually agrees on where the name "Guinea" comes from. Despite "Guinea's" prevalence (four countries include it in their names), it's unclear where the name originates, but it may have began with an ethnic slur.