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Yaounde (Cameroon)
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Ndolé
How to order / say it
Say it
Ndolé — [N-dole]
Order
I would like some Ndolé, please.
Locally
Je voudrais du Ndolé, s'il vous plaît.
Say locally
A rich stew made with bitter leaves, groundnuts, and meat.
Why try it?
Ndolé is a staple in Bamenda, representing resilience and adaptation of local ingredients. It's a dish enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings.
How it tastes
Ndolé combines the bitterness of the leaves with the creaminess of groundnuts, grounded by the savory taste of meat. The spices used elevate its aromatic profile.
Origin & History — first documented: 1870
Originating in the Bamenda highlands in the mid-19th century, Ndolé became iconic as the Fulani people introduced groundnuts as a staple. The use of native bitter leaves symbolizes the harsh yet rewarding farming practices.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 200 g Bitter leaves
- 🥩 300 g Beef
- 🥜 150 g Groundnuts
- 🧄 20 g Garlic
- 🧄 150 g Onions
- 🫒 50 ml Palm oil
Method
- 1 Boil the bitter leaves until tender.
- 2 In another pot, cook beef with onions and garlic until browned.
- 3 Add groundnuts and palm oil to the pot and simmer until the mixture thickens.
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