Yassa (food)

Yassa is a popular dish originating from Senegal, and also enjoyed throughout West Africa, particularly in The Gambia and Mali. It is traditionally made with chicken or fish (usually marinated overnight) and cooked in a flavorful onion-based sauce with lemon, mustard, and various spices.

The key ingredient is the marinade, which imparts a tangy and zesty flavor to the meat or fish. Common spices used in the marinade and cooking process include onions, garlic, lemon juice (or lime juice), mustard (Dijon is often preferred), black pepper, and chili peppers. The dish is typically served with white rice, couscous, or other grains.

While chicken yassa (Yassa au Poulet) is perhaps the most well-known version, variations exist using other proteins such as fish (Yassa au Poisson) or lamb. Recipes can vary slightly from region to region and from cook to cook, but the defining characteristics remain the lemony-onion sauce and the use of mustard. Yassa is often served at celebrations and family gatherings.