Congolese-style Stuffed Cassava Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Congolese adaptation, we have replaced the traditional wheat flour with cassava flour, a staple ingredient in Congolese cuisine. The filling has been enhanced with Congolese spices, giving it a unique flavor profile. Additionally, we serve the dumplings with a spicy tomato sauce, which adds a Congolese twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pierogi Ruskie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) cassava flour 2 cups (250g) cassava flour
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Congolese spice blend (e.g., pili pili, curry powder) 1 teaspoon Congolese spice blend (e.g., pili pili, curry powder)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Spicy tomato sauce, for serving Spicy tomato sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cassava flour and warm water. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, Congolese spice blend, and salt.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the potato filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing firmly.
6. 6.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. 7.
   Remove the dumplings from the water using a slotted spoon and serve hot with a drizzle of spicy tomato sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cassava flour — Ensure that the cassava flour is fresh and of good quality to achieve the desired texture of the dumplings.
• Congolese spice blend — If you don't have access to a ready-made Congolese spice blend, you can create your own by combining spices like pili pili, curry powder, paprika, and garlic powder.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the dumplings from sticking together, lightly dust them with cassava flour before cooking.
• Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and cheese for a variation in flavors.
• Serve the dumplings with a side of fresh salad or sautéed vegetables to add freshness to the meal.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Congolese spice blend used in the filling.
• Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and reheated by lightly pan-frying them for a crispy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Congolese-style Stuffed Cassava Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Accompany them with a side of spicy tomato sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dumplings on a platter, drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle some chopped herbs on top for an appealing presentation. Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to add color to the plate.