BONGO SPICE

Mongo Tchobi is a spicy black stew typically eaten by the Bassa people of Cameroon. Its deliciousness has made it gain popularity in other parts of the country. The key ingredient is the intensely aromatic bongo spice, from which the stew derives its name. It is burnt then ground before cooked into a sauce, hence the black color.
Ingredients
▢2 large fish of choice (I used tilapia) about 2 pounds
▢4 teaspoons ground mbongo spice
▢30 seeds njangsa
▢2 seeds African nutmeg (Ehuru/Pebe) peeled
▢3 small seasoning cubes (Maggi)
▢1 ½ teaspoon salt
▢2 large tomatoes (or four small ones) roughly chopped
▢1 large onion
▢½ celery stalk – chopped
▢½ stem of leeks – chopped
▢7 garlic cloves- peeled
▢½ inch ginger root – peeled
▢½- 1 cup vegetable oil
▢¼ teaspoon white pepper (optional)
▢1 habanero/hot pepper (optional)
▢2 stems green onions (optional) for garnishing

Instructions
Clean the fish and cut into steaks. Rinse well, sprinkle a pinch of salt over and set aside.
Put into a blender the tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, leeks, celery, African nutmeg, njangsa, mbongo spice, half the onion together with half a cup of water. Blend into a paste.
Pour the blended mixture over the fish and let it rest.
In a pot, heat vegetable oil. Chop the other half of onion and saute in the oil until fragrant.
Add fish and spice mixture into sauteed onions. Scatter Maggi cubes over it and salt. If using white and hot pepper, add them at this stage.
Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes. After that, open and taste to make sure the seasoning is perfect. At this point, you could add a little water to lighten up the stew if it is too thick for you. Allow to cook for another five minutes.
Serve warm with boiled yams or plantains.
Health Benefit:
• Anti-aging
• Anti- Inflammation
• Anti- Depressant
• Anti-Bacteria
• Anti-Septic
• Anti-Veral
• Facilitate Digestion
• Fatigue fighter
• Hair Health
• Helps with Migraines
• Improves Blood Flows
• Improve memory
• Immune system Booster
• Kidney health
• Mood enhancer
• Natural Diuretic
• Natural Mouth wash
• Natural pain killer
• Respiratory health
• Antioxidant
• Prevention of cancer
• Relieves menstrual cramps