Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Sauce from Cameroon

Name: Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Sauce from Cameroon
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4 personnes
Cuisine: Cameroun — Afrique Centrale
Ingredients: 200 g de feuilles de Djoumblé séchées; 400 g de viande de bœuf ou de poulet en morceaux; 150 g de crevettes séchées; 100 g de pâte d'arachides; 3 cuillères à soupe d'huile de palme rouge; 2 oignons; 3 gousses d'ail; 1 cube de bouillon; Sel, poivre, piment selon goût

Prepare the authentic Cameroonian djoumblé sauce, made from ground pumpkin seeds. A creamy and flavorful sauce, rich in plant-based proteins, served with plantains or white rice.

Prep.

25 min

Cuisson

55 min

Total

80 min

Servings

4 personnes

Niveau

Facile

Cuisine

Cameroun — Afrique Centrale

Ingrédients

200 g de feuilles de Djoumblé séchées
400 g de viande de bœuf ou de poulet en morceaux
150 g de crevettes séchées
100 g de pâte d'arachides
3 cuillères à soupe d'huile de palme rouge
2 oignons
3 gousses d'ail
1 cube de bouillon
Sel, poivre, piment selon goût

Préparation

1

Réhydrater les feuilles : Faites tremper les feuilles de Djoumblé dans de l'eau tiède 20 minutes. Égouttez, rincez et hachez grossièrement.
2

Préparer le bouillon de base : Faites revenir oignons et ail dans l'huile de palme. Ajoutez la viande, le cube, sel et poivre. Couvrez de 500 ml d'eau et laissez mijoter 25 minutes.
3

Ajouter les crevettes : Incorporez les crevettes séchées et le piment. Continuez 10 minutes.
4

Incorporer la pâte d'arachides : Délayez dans du bouillon chaud et versez dans la cocotte. Mélangez bien à feu doux.
5

Ajouter les feuilles : Incorporez le Djoumblé. Remuez et laissez cuire 15 à 20 minutes. La sauce va épaissir et devenir légèrement filante.
6

Servez avec du riz blanc, du foufou ou de la boule de maïs.

Pour aller plus loin : histoire, variantes, accompagnements et conseils

In brief

Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce: a sauce of crushed squash seeds
Origin: Cameroon (southern Cameroon, Sangmélima)
Essential ingredients: squash seeds (egusi/pistachio), meat or fish, palm oil, onions
A shared dish, central to family meals and ceremonies.

Origins and cultural history of Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce

Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce has its roots in Cameroon. It is found mainly in southern Cameroon and Sangmélima. It is an integral part of the local culinary heritage and continues to be passed down from generation to generation, from family kitchens to the tables of Afro-Caribbean diaspora restaurants in France.

Its preparation remains rooted in precise gestures. Each family adds its personal touch, according to the available ingredients and regional customs.

What are the essential ingredients of Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce

The preparation of Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce relies on a few essential ingredients found in most African and Caribbean online grocery stores, including NKOSI.

squash seeds (egusi/pistachio)
meat or fish
palm oil
onions
tomato
chilli pepper

What to serve Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce with

Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce is traditionally served with: plantain, cassava, miondo. The choice depends on the regions, the seasons and family preferences.

For drinks, this dish is often accompanied by: bissap juice.

Nutritional benefits of Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce

Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce provides several interesting nutrients: proteins (seeds), magnesium. For a balanced diet, it is advisable to combine it with vegetables and to vary the protein sources.

Frequently asked questions about Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce

How to store Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce after preparation?

Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce keeps for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It reheats gently over low heat or in the oven, adding a little water if necessary.

Can Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce be frozen?

Yes, the dish freezes very well for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator then reheat gently.

What is the preparation time for Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce?

Allow on average 15 to 30 minutes of preparation and 45 to 90 minutes of cooking, depending on the version. Traditional versions require slow cooking to develop all the flavours.

Where to find the authentic ingredients of Cameroonian Djoumblé Sauce in France?

NKOSI offers the essential ingredients (spices, dry ingredients, specialised preserves) through its online shop nkosiagro.com, with fast delivery in France and Europe.