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Liboke ya Mbisi (River Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)

Name: Liboke ya Mbisi (River Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: DR Congo
Ingredients: 800 g fresh catfish or tilapia fillets, cut into large chunks; 8 piece large fresh banana leaves, cleaned and warmed to soften; 2 piece firm roma tomatoes, finely diced; 1 piece medium yellow onion, sliced into thin crescents; 3 piece scallions, finely chopped; 3 clove garlic, finely grated; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated; 1 piece pili-pili chili, finely minced; 2 tbsp red palm oil or vegetable oil; 1 tsp ground white Penja pepper and salt blend

Succulent spiced fish parcels wrapped in banana leaves and slow-steamed or grilled.

Cook mode

seafoodbanana-leaftraditionalsteamedgluten-free

The story

Originating among the riverine communities along the Congo River, liboke represents an ancestral steaming method using wild Marantaceae or banana leaves. Wrapping seasoned freshwater fish into tight botanical parcels seals in delicate moisture and infuses the flesh with an earthy, herbal aroma during gentle braising.

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