East Africa · Side
Poutou (Pounded Chili, Garlic, and Lime Relish)
An indispensable fiery Comorian condiment of mortar-pounded habaneros, shallots, garlic, and fresh lime juice gently tempered in hot oil.
The story
Found at every midday meal and evening street stall from Fomboni to Moroni, poutou is the soul of Comorian dining. Traditional households pound fresh island peppers in a heavy wooden mortar (kini) before finishing the relish with boiling oil to mellow the garlic's sharpness. This preservation and tempering technique keeps the paste vibrant and shelf-stable in the humid island climate for days without refrigeration.
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