Central Africa · Main
Ngon (Steamed Cucurbit Squash Seed and Smoked Fish Cake)
A prized ceremonial steamed loaf of stone-ground cucurbit squash seeds studded with flaked smoked fish and bundled in banana leaves.
The story
Ngon is an esteemed culinary centerpiece among the Kota and Fang peoples of northeastern Gabon, reserved for customary marriage negotiations and harvest celebrations. Cucurbit melon seeds (Cucumeropsis mannii) are meticulously hulled, toasted, and stone-ground into a fine paste that naturally emulsifies when whipped with warm broth. The dish demands an exact balance of seed oil and liquid to achieve its signature firm yet velvety terrine consistency.
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