Yassa
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Senegal is a West African country located on the shores of the Atlantic ocean. Fishing is one of the chief economic activities, and fish, therefore, is a major component of traditional Senegalese meals.
Apart from fish, which is available in big restaurants as well as the taverns, Senegalese food always contains a mix of cereals and spices.
Below are 5 foods you need to try in Senegal:
1. Thieboudienne
Thieboudienne is a Wolof word that means ‘the rice of fish’.
The meal is derived from tiep or thieb, which is the local word for fish.
There are many tiep meals in Senegal such as Thieboudienne, Tiep ganaar, and tiep yappa.
They comprise fish and rice.
2. Mafé or maafé
Mafé is a creamy and spicy Senegalese peanut stew.
It is made of sun-dried tomatoes and smoke-dried fish and is served with white rice, potatoes, or cowpea/beans.
It may also come with vegetables such as eggplant or cabbage.
In addition, you can substitute the fish with beef, chicken, and lamb or even make a vegetarian version of this spicy soup and add fish sauce to give it the rich Senegalese taste and aroma.
3. Thiof
Thiof is the local word for a white grouper, a luxurious treat in north Dakar taverns.
It is best served grilled or stuffed with vegetables and spices.
In the market and restaurants, it is the most expensive meal and is often considered a noble type of fish.
4. Yassa Poulet
This dish is prepared using marinated chicken thighs or breasts.
Yassa poisson, which is made using marinated fish is a popular alternative to yassa poulet.
The secret of this dish is in the lemon juice-caramelized onions-vinegar marinate, which is left to soak overnight to bring out the rich flavours and tenderize the chicken.
Both red wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar can be used in the marination.
You can add garlic, Dijon mustard, and other spices to this Senegalese recipe.
Yassa poulet is served with rice or sweet potatoes.
5. Pastels Senegalaise (Senegalese pies)
A snack between meals or an appetizer, Senegalese fatayas are made with a dough similar to pizzas.
Their stuffing is made to fill you up and rule the evening.
For most people, a beef or fish pastel dipped in kaani sauce is a complete meal on its own.
Kaani is a spicy tomato sauce popular in Senegal.
Other contributors to this article: Rayna Jepkoech
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