Ivorian Soufiko with a Twist

Ingredients

While the Greek version of Soufiko traditionally uses Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme, the Ivorian adaptation incorporates local spices such as ginger, garlic, and a hint of chili for a more robust flavor profile. Additionally, the original recipe often includes feta cheese, which is replaced in the Ivorian version to maintain the authenticity of the cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Soufiko, so you can check it out.

• 2 eggplants, cubed (500g) 2 eggplants, cubed (500g)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (300g) 2 bell peppers, sliced (300g)
• 4 tomatoes, diced (500g) 4 tomatoes, diced (500g)
• 2 onions, finely chopped (200g) 2 onions, finely chopped (200g)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g) 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30g)
• 2 tablespoons palm oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons palm oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
3. 3.
   Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, coriander, and cumin, and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the eggplants, bell peppers, and tomatoes to the pot, and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplants — To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt over the cubed eggplants and let them sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder according to your preference.
• Serve the Ivorian Soufiko with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables such as okra or green beans to enhance the dish's nutritional value.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and intensify.

Serving advice

Garnish the Ivorian Soufiko with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve it as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Serve the Ivorian Soufiko in a deep bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Drizzle a swirl of palm oil on top for an authentic touch.