Gari Fortor (Cassava Granule Stir-Fry)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (475 ml) gari (toasted cassava granules)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) red palm oil
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional)
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 1 seasoning cube
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the gari into a bowl and add 1/2 cup water. Let it soak for 2-3 minutes until softened but not soggy. The gari should be moist and fluffy, not waterlogged.
2. Heat palm oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and fry for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes and Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
5. Push the vegetables to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set.
6. Add the soaked gari to the pan. Mix everything together thoroughly.
7. Add seasoning cube (crumbled) and salt to taste.
8. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the gari is heated through and well combined with the vegetables and eggs.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot as a main dish or side.

Tips & variations

• Don't over-soak the gari - it should be moist but not paste-like. The palm oil is what gives gari fortor its characteristic flavor and golden color, but vegetable oil works in a pinch. This is a very forgiving dish - you can add any vegetables you have on hand. Some people add corned beef, sardines, or smoked fish for extra protein. It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal.