To create this savory masterpiece, gather the following ingredients: fish, oil, onion, tomato paste, cassava, carrot, black pepper, hot pepper, green pepper, spring onion, garden egg, cabbage, tomato, salt, and a seasoning cube.
Start by preparing the fish. Remove the scales, wash it thoroughly, and then pound it together with vegetables to form a tantalizing mixture. Include ingredients such as pepper, spring onion, seasoning cube, salt, and optionally, ginger. For added firmness, you can incorporate wet bread or flour into the mixture. Once thoroughly pounded, shape the mixture into small balls.
Now, it's time to fry the fish balls to perfection. While they sizzle in the pan, turn your attention to creating the accompanying stew. Begin by pounding a combination of hot pepper, spring onion, green pepper, onion, and black pepper. This aromatic blend will form the base of the flavorful sauce. Stir-fry the mixture until fragrant, then add water to allow the vegetables to cook and soften. Enhance the stew with cassava, garden egg, cabbage, and carrot, infusing it with an array of textures and flavors.
Once the water has been drained, add the fried fish balls to the stew. Allow them to simmer together, ensuring the flavors meld harmoniously. Meanwhile, prepare a pot of rice as a delightful accompaniment to the flavorful fish ball stew. The combination of the two will create a balanced and satisfying meal.
As the stew reaches its peak of aromatic perfection, you'll know it's time to dish out this tantalizing creation. Spoon generous portions of the fish ball stew onto plates, savoring the delightful medley of flavors, textures, and spices that define Gambian cuisine.
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