Cuisine : Pom - How to prepare this Surinami Dish

 

Pom is a delicious Surinamese dish with Afro-Jewish roots. It's often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. Here's a brief overview of this flavorful dish:

Here's a detailed recipe for preparing Pom, a traditional Surinamese dish:

**Ingredients:**

- 1 large cassava (yuca), peeled and grated

- 1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

- 3 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 cup orange juice

- 1 cup chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon thyme

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 2 tablespoons oil

- Butter for greasing the baking dish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Cassava:**

   - Peel the cassava and grate it. Remove excess liquid by pressing the grated cassava.

2. **Prepare Chicken:**

   - Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika.

3. **Saute Vegetables:**

   - In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onions, garlic, red and green bell peppers, and celery until softened.

4. **Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:**

   - Add chopped tomatoes and tomato paste to the sauteed vegetables. Cook until the tomatoes break down.

5. **Cook Chicken:**

   - Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and brown on all sides.

6. **Combine with Cassava:**

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cassava with the orange juice, chicken broth, and sugar. Mix well.

7. **Layering:**

   - Grease a baking dish with butter. Place a layer of the cassava mixture at the bottom.

8. **Add Chicken Mixture:**

   - Place the chicken and vegetable mixture over the cassava layer.

9. **Top with Cassava:**

   - Cover the chicken mixture with the remaining cassava mixture.

10. **Bake:**

    - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    - Bake the Pom in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the top is golden brown and the cassava is cooked through.

11. **Serve:**

    - Allow the Pom to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

    - Serve the Pom warm, and enjoy this flavorful Surinamese dish!

Pom is known for its unique combination of textures and flavors, making it a special dish in Surinamese cuisine.