Garba Recipe

Garba is a popular dish from Ivory Coast, particularly appreciated for its flavor and simplicity. It's a typical fish-based dish, often made with tuna, accompanied by vegetables, sauces, and spices. Here's a traditional recipe for preparing garba:

Garba Recipe

Ingredients :

For the fish (fried tuna):

  • 1 kg of tuna (or fish of your choice), cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Frying oil

For the tomato sauce:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional, depending on the desired level of spiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)

Accompaniement :

  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges (for serving)
  • 1-2 red onions, thinly sliced ​​(to serve)
  • Fresh chili or chili powder (optional, for those who like spicy food)

Instructions :

  1. Prepare the fish:

    • Clean the pieces of tuna and wipe them with absorbent paper.
    • In a large bowl, mix the lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
    • Coat the pieces of fish with this spice mixture and let them marinate for about 30 minutes.

  2. To simmer the fish:

    • Heat enough oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat.
    • Fry the tuna pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Drain them on paper towels.

  3. Prepare the tomato sauce:

    • While the fish is cooking, heat the oil in another pan over medium heat.
    • Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
    • Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, tomato paste, grated ginger, chili pepper (if used), salt, pepper and sugar.
    • Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

  4. Serve :

    • Arrange the pieces of fried fish on a serving platter.
    • Pour the tomato sauce over the fish or serve it on the side.
    • Serve with lemon wedges, red onion slices and fresh or powdered chili if desired.

Garba is usually eaten with rice, fufu, or fried plantains, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal. Enjoy!

Video recipe from a YouTuber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tCqp1AgwQs