Pain Boulettes are a beloved West African dish where “pain” means bread and “boulettes” means balls in French. These golden, crispy fish and bread fritters are a staple street food in Senegal, often enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. Seasoned with Bold Food Crate’s handcrafted Fish Seasoning, each bite is bursting with savory, comforting flavor. Whether you serve them hot with a dipping sauce or pair them with a side of fresh salad, Pain Boulettes are a simple yet flavorful way to bring a taste of Senegal to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish (tilapia, cod, or similar)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 3 Tbsp Bold Food Crate Fish Seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour (for coating)
- 2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 8 oz canned tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp Bold Food Crate Veggie Seasoning
- 1 tsp Bold Food Crate Piri Piri Seasoning (To Taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 French baguette
Preparation:
Step 1 – Prepare the Fish Balls
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the fish, bread crumbs, and Bold Food Crate Fish Seasoning.
2. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
3. Transfer to a bowl and shape into small balls with your hands (about 15 pieces).
4. Place flour in a shallow bowl, then lightly coat each ball with flour.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2 – Make the Red Onion Sauce
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
3. Season with Bold Food Crate Veggie Seasoning, Piri Piri Seasoning, and salt.
4. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and jammy (about 30 minutes).
Step 3 – Combine
1. Add the chilled fish balls to the sauce.
2. Gently stir and let them simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, being careful not to break them.
Step 4 – Serve
• Slice open a baguette, spoon in the fish balls with plenty of sauce, and enjoy pain boulette the classic way — as a sandwich.
