Gambian Domoda: Meet Gambia’s National Dish with this step-by-step recipe

Last updated on October 16th, 2023 at 03:05 pm

Domoda, the national dish of Gambia, is a culinary delight that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This peanut stew, often served with rice, is a staple in Gambian households and an integral part of their culture.

Our team at Remitly created this guide as part of our series that celebrates the traditional foods of our global customers. Enjoy!

The Origin of Gambian Domoda

The roots of Domoda trace back to the Mandinka tribe—one of Gambia’s largest ethnic groups. Peanuts, a key ingredient in Domoda, are abundant in Gambia. Over time, they found their way into various dishes, including this beloved stew.

Historically, cooking was a communal activity in Gambian society. Women would gather around large pots simmering over open fires to prepare meals for their families and neighbors. It’s likely that Domoda evolved from these communal cooking sessions—each cook adding her unique touch to the recipe.

Ingredients Used in Gambian Domoda

The star ingredient in Domoda is peanuts—or more specifically, peanut butter. This gives the stew its distinctive flavor and creamy texture. Other essential ingredients include meat (usually beef or chicken), vegetables like okra or bitter tomato (also known as garden egg), onions, tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers for heat and lime juice for acidity.

Each ingredient plays its part in creating a harmonious blend of flavors—sweetness from the peanut butter balanced by tanginess from lime juice; heat from chili peppers tempered by earthy vegetables; richness from meat complemented by freshness from tomatoes.

The Cooking Process of Domoda

The first step is preparing the base—a mixture of sautéed onions and garlic combined with crushed tomatoes and chili peppers. Next comes adding chunks of meat which are browned until they develop a deep flavor.

Once the base is ready and meat browned nicely, it’s time to stir in the peanut butter. This is followed by adding water and letting the stew simmer until it thickens to a creamy consistency. The final step involves tossing in vegetables and allowing them to cook until tender.

Recipe for Gambian Domoda

This recipe serves four people, however, feel free to adjust the quantities as needed.

Ingredients

• 500g of beef or chicken, cut into chunks
• 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 chili peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
• 4 ripe tomatoes, crushed
• 1 bitter tomato (or garden egg), sliced
• Juice of one lime
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the meat chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions until they turn translucent. Add garlic and chili peppers; cook for another minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce-like consistency.
4. Return the browned meat to the pot; mix well with the base.
5. Add peanut butter to the pot along with enough water to cover the meat. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. Reduce heat to low; let it simmer for about an hour or until it thickens into a creamy stew.
7. Add sliced bitter tomato (or garden egg) and lime juice; season with salt.
8. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
9. Serve hot over rice.

Variations of Domoda Across Gambia

While the basic recipe for Domoda remains the same, variations exist across different regions of Gambia. Some prefer their Domoda with fish instead of meat; others add extra vegetables like eggplant or sweet potatoes.

In coastal areas, seafood versions of Domoda are popular. Here, fresh catch from the Atlantic Ocean—like shrimp or snapper—is used instead of meat. Inland, where livestock farming is more prevalent, beef or chicken versions are favored.

Influence of Domoda on International Cuisine

The popularity of Domoda has spread beyond Gambia’s borders—it’s now enjoyed by food lovers worldwide who appreciate its unique blend of flavors. Many African restaurants across Europe and America feature this dish on their menus as a testament to its global appeal.

Moreover, international chefs have been inspired by Domoda to create their own versions of this dish—incorporating local ingredients and cooking techniques while staying true to its essence.

Gambian Cuisine: A Melting Pot of Flavors

Gambian cuisine is a vibrant blend of indigenous flavors influenced by various cultures—Arabic, Portuguese, British and West African—that have interacted with Gambia throughout history.

Staple Foods in Gambia

Rice is a staple food in Gambia—it’s often served with stews like Domoda or Yassa (a spicy onion and lemon chicken dish). Other staples include millet, sorghum, and maize which are used to make porridges and breads.

Fish is a primary source of protein in Gambia—thanks to its location along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s often smoked or dried and used in various dishes.

Popular Gambian Dishes

Besides Domoda, other popular Gambian dishes include Benachin (a one-pot rice dish similar to Jollof Rice), Superkanja (a hearty okra stew), and Afra (barbecued meat).

Street Food Culture in Gambia

Street food culture is vibrant in Gambia. From roadside stalls selling grilled fish and chicken yassa to vendors hawking fresh fruits like mangoes, bananas, and oranges—you’ll find a variety of quick bites that reflect the country’s culinary diversity.

Influence of Religion on Gambian Cuisine

Islam is the predominant religion in Gambia—it influences dietary habits with many adhering to Halal guidelines. This means pork is rarely consumed while lamb, beef, chicken, and fish are common.

Gambian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors—a testament to its diverse cultural influences. Whether it’s the comforting Domoda or the fiery Yassa, each dish tells a story about this small West African nation’s history and way of life.

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