Kajaik

Kajaik

Kajaik (kah-JAH-eek)

Dried Fish Stew

Prep Time 1 hour
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 346 kcal

A pungent, deeply savory stew of sun-dried Nile fish reconstituted in a tomato and peanut sauce, with the intense umami that defines South Sudanese riverside cooking.

Nutrition & Info

340 kcal per serving
Protein 28.0g
Carbs 18.0g
Fat 18.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free dairy-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish ⚠ peanuts

Equipment Needed

large pot wooden spoon mortar and pestle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: ground peanuts, chili slices

Accompaniments: kisra, asida

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak dried fish in warm water for 30 minutes. Clean and debone.

  2. 2

    Heat oil and sauté onions until soft.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes and cook down into paste.

  4. 4

    Stir in ground peanuts, cumin, and chili.

  5. 5

    Add fish and water. Simmer 25 minutes until sauce thickens.

  6. 6

    Serve hot over kisra or asida.

💡

Did You Know?

The aroma of drying fish along the White Nile is so distinctive that travelers claim they can smell a fishing village before they can see it.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • wooden spoon
  • mortar and pestle

Garnishing

ground peanuts, chili slices

Accompaniments

kisra, asida

The Story Behind Kajaik

Kajaik is central to the cuisine of river communities along the White Nile. Sun-drying fish has been practiced for millennia as the primary preservation method before refrigeration, and the resulting stew is considered the most authentic taste of South Sudan.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch and dinner 📜 Origins: Ancient Nile fishing tradition

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