John Myers
What is “pom” in Surinamese cuisine?
“Pom” is a traditional dish that originates from Suriname, a small country in South America. It is a popular Creole dish that is considered to be a staple in Surinamese cuisine. The dish is characterized by its unique combination of ingredients, and it is often served during special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and religious festivals.
The dish is made with cassava root, a starchy vegetable that is widely grown and consumed in Suriname. It is also known as yuca or manioc in other parts of the world. The cassava root is grated and mixed with other ingredients such as chicken or salted codfish, onions, peppers, and spices. The mixture is then baked in an oven until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and chewy texture on the inside.
The ingredients and preparation of “pom”
To prepare pom, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 kg of grated cassava root
- 500g of chicken or salted codfish
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 peppers, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 lime, juiced
To prepare the dish, start by heating the oil in a pan and sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic until they are translucent. Add the chicken or salted codfish and cook until it is browned. Add the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, thyme, sugar, and lime juice and stir until everything is mixed.
Next, mix the grated cassava root with the chicken or salted codfish mixture and pour it into a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour or until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
How “pom” is traditionally served in Surinamese culture
Pom is traditionally served with rice and a side of vegetables such as green beans or steamed okra. It is also often accompanied by a spicy sauce made with peppers, onions, and vinegar. The dish is usually shared among family and friends and is considered to be a symbol of togetherness and community.
In Suriname, pom is also a popular street food that is sold by vendors in markets and on the streets. It has become so popular that it is now considered to be one of the national dishes of Suriname and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
