The Cameroon Ndole is one of the most well-known dishes in the country. The dish is considered national food and is traditionally served on special occasions. This rich stew is full of different ingredients and is considered very tasty. Most of the ingredients used are indigenous to the country; they include bitter leaves, groundnuts, shrimp, and even beef. You will also find it in many African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.
Cameroon Ndole Recipe

Cameroon Ndole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut/groundnut
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 3 cups oil
- 1 medium onion
- ½ lbs shrimp
- 1 lb stew beef cut into sizeable bits
- ½ lb stockfish
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 lb washed bitter leaves you can substitute with frozen spinach
- ¾ cups ground crayfish
Instructions
- Put the meat in a large pot, add the bouillon cubes, salt, and onions to it, mix well, and cook until the meat becomes tender.
- Boil the stockfish with salted water for a few minutes and pour into the meat pot.
- In another pot, boil the groundnuts for 10 minutes, leave it to cool, and then blend with a blender or food processor into a very smooth paste. You can add some water to help the process. Pour into the pot with meat and stockfish.
- Use the same blender to blend the garlic and onions and our into the meat pot.
- Add the ground crayfish and cook for a few minutes, stirring consistently to keep it from burning. Add bouillon cubes and salt to taste.
- Add the washed bitter leaves or spinach to the pan. Stir thoroughly and cook for 15 minutes
- Heat the oil in a pan or preferably cast iron. Add the shrimp while stirring until they turn pink. Cut the remaining onions and add them and mix for a few more minutes. Then, pour the mixture to the pot of Ndole. Stir thoroughly for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot with miondo/Bobolo or plantain.
Video
Notes
If you are using dry, bitter leaves, make sure you soak it in warm water overnight and boil with 1 teaspoon of baking soda for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Boil some water, add the stockfish to it, and leave to soak overnight
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
- You might also like:Â 7 steps to make Meat and Okra Sauce
In conclusion, with the recipe above, you can completely make Cameroon Ndole in your home. You can buy fresh leaves in Africa or purchase dehydrated ones online. The bitter leaves are often sold in small containers at the market. Depending on your taste, you can add your favorite condiments. The traditional accompaniments include white rice, dodo, Irish potatoes, cassava, and fried onions. There are a lot of variations when it comes to this dish, but perhaps this recipe is the best version you should try. Also, it is a good way to experience the local cuisine.
Hello! I’m Black Pie, your culinary guide at Food And Meal, Hana Hotel Travel Company Limited. I'm passionate about unveiling the rich and diverse flavors of African cuisine to the world. Each recipe we explore is a celebration of culture, tradition, and exquisite taste. Join me on this delightful culinary journey, where we'll discover and share the hidden gems of African cooking together!