Pomme Pileés- Cameroonian Mashed Potatoes and Beans
Have you ever tasted food so good you start speaking another language? Let me put it this way-
“You done ever chop potatoes and beans? That one way the poundnam for morta. That chop sweet no be lie!” : Cameroon Pigin
English Translation: “ Have you ever eaten mashed potatoes and bean? the one that is made using the mortar. It taste gooooood.”
I’m talking about Pomme Pileés, Banso Tukuni, Pommes de Terre, or simply put mashed potatoes and beans. Talk about Cameroonian comfort food! I had to seek this recipe from the mothers of Keng’s Kitchen because this was the first time I ever cooked it. Though new to me, Pommes Pileés is a staple dish originating from the West and Northwest Regions of Cameroon. It’s known to the Banso people of the Northwest Region as Tukuni and is a part of their traditional dishes.
In the West and Northwest Regions of Cameroon, potatoes and beans are some of the most frequently consumed crops. Pomme Pileé’s high macronutrient contents (such as the carbohydrates from the potatoes, the proteins from the beans, and the fats from the palm oil) makes it not only a family favorite but a farmer’s favorite. It’s an energy packed dish that also doesn’t spoil easily (even under the hot African sun!). Since many families still don’t have access to refrigerators or coolers in Cameroon, Pomme Pileés has been an ideal dish for farmers who worked far away from home and for mothers who are able to store the dish away for some time.
After a long day of work, whether in the farm or in the office, Pomme Pileés is surely a rewarding dish. Click play on the video below to cook along with me or scroll past the video to follow the written instructions.
Dish: Pomme Pileés/Banso Tukuni/Pommes de Terre
Country: Cameroon
Geographic Locations: West and Northwest Regions of Cameroon
Ethnic Groups: The Bamileke and Nso Tribes
Diaspora Connection: FAMILLE BAMILEKE (LAFABA DFW) - DALLAS
P O M M E P I L E E S R E C I P E
Suggested Kitchen Tools
African Cooking Pistol
Ingredients
a. 8 Large Irish Potatoes
b. 4 Cups of Cooked Red Beans
c. ½ Cup of Ground Crayfish
d. 1 Medium Size Onion Chopped
e. 2 Habanero Peppers Pureed
f. 3 Table Spoons of Palm Oil
g. Bouillon to taste
h. Salt to taste
Pomme Pilees Cooking Instructions
1. Peel and wash potatoes.
2. Place potatoes in a pot and fill the pot with water. The level of water should reach the height of the potatoes halfway. Cook potatoes on medium heat. Gradually add water as needed to fully cook the potatoes.
3. When the potatoes are fully cooked and there is no more water in the pot, change the setting of the stove to warm.
NOTE: It is important for the potatoes to stay warm for pounding.
4. In another clean pot, pour palm oil and place on a stove to heat up.
5. Add onions into the pot and allow to fry.
Note: DO NOT CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS
6. Add the beans, salt, bouillon, habanero puree, crayfish, and a ¼ cup of water into the pot.
7. Stir to mix all of the ingredients in the pot then cook on low heat to simmer for about 20 minutes.
8. Once beans are fully cooked, add the mixture into the pot of boiled potatoes.
9. Begin to mash until the potatoes become soft and easy to mold.
10. Serve warm and enjoy
Mash potatoes and beans together.
