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Metemgee

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 400ml (1 1/2 cups) coconut milk
  • 500ml (2 cups) water
  • 300g (10 oz) cassava, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 green plantain, peeled and sliced thick
  • 200g (7 oz) salted or smoked fish (optional, or salted meat)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 wiri wiri pepper, whole
  • 150g (1 1/4 cups) flour (for dumplings)
  • 3g (1/2 tsp) salt (for dumplings)
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) water (for dumplings)

Method

  1. If using salted fish or meat, soak and pre-boil to remove excess salt, then flake or dice.
  2. Combine flour, salt for dumplings and water; knead briefly and shape into small oblong dumplings.
  3. In a large pot, combine coconut milk, water, onion, garlic, thyme and whole pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add cassava and sweet potato; simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Add plantain, dumplings and prepared fish or meat; continue simmering 15-20 minutes until all provisions are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
  6. Remove whole pepper before serving hot in bowls.

Introduction: Metemgee is a hearty ground-provision stew-soup native to Guyana, combining cassava, sweet potato, plantain and dumplings simmered in coconut milk.

Cultural Background: Metemgee is a hearty ground-provision stew-soup native to Guyana, combining cassava, sweet potato, plantain and dumplings simmered in coconut milk. Deeply rooted in Afro-Guyanese cuisine, it is a filling, comforting dish traditionally eaten for Sunday lunch.

Tips: Cut root vegetables into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly. Keep the pot covered while simmering to help the coconut broth thicken naturally.

Variations: Add okra for extra body and a West African-influenced touch. Make a fully vegetarian version using extra provisions and skipping fish or meat.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the broth thickens further when chilled.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Nutrition: Approx. 430 kcal, 14g protein, 55g carbohydrate, 18g fat per serving.

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