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Daraba (Chadian Okra, Peanut, and Spinach Stew)
A quintessential Chadian silky stew of fresh okra, tender spinach, and smooth peanut paste simmered with smoked dried fish.
The story
Daraba represents the soul of Sahelian home cooking across Chad, offering a nutritious, comforting balance of leafy greens and roasted groundnuts. The dish draws rich umami depth from flaky smoked freshwater fish caught along the Chari and Logone rivers. It is traditionally scooped up by hand with kisra (sourdough flatbread) or thick millet balls known as Aish.
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