🇨🇩 Congolese (DRC) Cuisine

Ndakala

Fried Small Fish

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 228 kcal

Tiny freshwater fish from the Congo River, seasoned simply and deep-fried until entirely crispy, eaten whole as a crunchy, calcium-rich snack or meal accompaniment.

Ingredients

500g small dried fish (ndakala)
1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
1 onion, sliced into rings
1 scotch bonnet pepper, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1 Rinse the small dried fish and pat dry thoroughly.
2 Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
3 Fry the fish in batches for 3-4 minutes until very crispy and golden.
4 Remove and drain on paper towels.
5 Toss with sliced onion, scotch bonnet, lemon juice, and salt.
6 Serve as a crunchy snack or alongside fufu and stew.

Did You Know?

Ndakala are so tiny that they are eaten whole — bones, head, and all — making them one of the richest natural calcium sources in the Congolese diet.