African Culinary Heritage

South Sudanese Dry Catfish with Sesame Seed Butter

"This traditional South Sudanese dish features dry catfish..."

April 14, 2026 By African Recipes Kitchen
South Sudanese Dry Catfish with Sesame Seed Butter - Authentic African Cuisine

🍲 **Dry Catfish with Spinach & Sesame Butter 🐟🌿**

This traditional South Sudanese dish combines the rich flavors of dry catfish with the vibrant freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy sesame butter sauce. Simple yet delicious, it's a meal that celebrates the essence of African cooking.

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🌍 **What Is Dry Catfish with Spinach & Sesame Butter?**

This dish is a cherished delicacy from South Sudan, showcasing the use of minimal ingredients to create a flavorful meal. It highlights the importance of fresh produce and traditional cooking methods, making it a staple in many South Sudanese households.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 1 whole dry catfish (or any fish of your choice)

- 2 onions, chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

- 1 chicken stock cube

- 2 cups spinach (or any green of your choice)

- Water, as needed

**Optional:**

- Sesame butter (tahini)

- Chili powder (to taste)

- Additional greens (e.g., kale, collard greens)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Catfish:**

- Wash the dry catfish thoroughly in warm water with salt, repeating the process 2-3 times to ensure cleanliness.

2. **Cook the Base Ingredients:**

- In a pot, add the washed catfish, chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and the chicken stock cube.

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- Do not add oil, as the sesame butter will provide enough fat.

3. **Simmer the Mixture:**

- Add water to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. **Prepare the Spinach:**

- Rinse the spinach in cold water to keep it vibrant green. Squeeze out excess water and chop it coarsely.

5. **Make the Sesame Butter:**

- In a separate bowl, mix the tahini with a little water until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust the texture to your liking.

6. **Combine Ingredients:**

- After the fish mixture has simmered, add the sesame butter to the pot. Stir well to combine.

- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. **Add the Spinach:**

- Gently fold in the chopped spinach and let it steam in the pot for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.

8. **Final Adjustments:**

- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional chicken stock as needed. If desired, sprinkle in some chili powder for heat.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve the dry catfish with spinach and sesame butter warm, accompanied by a side of bread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- For a creamier texture, you can blend the sesame butter with a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency.

- Feel free to experiment with different greens based on availability, such as kale or collard greens.

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- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, keeping in mind that traditional recipes often rely on fewer ingredients for maximum flavor.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

This dish is not only a taste of home for many but also a celebration of simplicity in cooking. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s a wholesome meal that brings people together. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce traditional South Sudanese cuisine to your family and friends!