Name: Liboke ya Mbika
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa
Ingredients: 300 g pumpkin seeds, raw, shelled; 2 medium tomatoes, diced; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 tbsp palm oil; 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper, minced; 4 large banana leaves, softened over flame

Liboke ya Mbika

Ground pumpkin seeds steamed in banana leaves with tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a rich and fragrant vegetarian parcel. A classic Congolese preparation.

Country

Democratic Republic of Congo

Region

Central Africa

Time

65 min

Serves

Level

medium

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Liboke refers to any dish cooked in banana leaf parcels â€” a cooking technique central to Congolese cuisine. This version uses ground pumpkin seeds (mbika), which form a rich paste when steamed. The banana leaves impart a subtle grassy aroma while keeping everything moist. It is a favourite during Lent and among those who prefer plant-based meals.

What the dish tastes like

Ground pumpkin seeds steamed in banana leaves with tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a rich and fragrant vegetarian parcel. A classic Congolese preparation.

When to cook it

Best for Everyday meals, Lent, plant-based dining, with a medium cooking level and about 65 minutes total.

What to serve alongside it

Fufu or boiled plantains

Follow the collection route

Vegetarian Africa is the main AfroKitchen collection route tied to this dish right now. Vegetarian Africa

Grind the seeds

Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for 3 minutes until fragrant. Grind to a fine paste in a blender or food processor, adding a splash of water if needed.

Do not over-toast â€” the seeds should be lightly golden, not dark.

Toast seeds 03:00

Mix the filling

Combine the ground pumpkin seed paste with diced tomatoes, chopped onion, palm oil, minced scotch bonnet, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Wrap in banana leaves

Soften banana leaves by briefly passing them over an open flame or blanching in hot water. Place a generous scoop of the mixture in the centre of each leaf and fold into a secure parcel, tying with kitchen string or strips of banana leaf.

Double-wrap the parcels to prevent leaking during steaming.

Steam the parcels

Place parcels in a steamer basket or in a pot with a small amount of water at the bottom. Cover and steam for 40-45 minutes until the filling is firm and cooked through.

Check water level halfway through â€” do not let the pot run dry.

Steam liboke 45:00

Serve

Unwrap the parcels at the table for a dramatic presentation. Serve with fufu or boiled plantains.

The banana leaf aroma is part of the experience â€” serve immediately after unwrapping.

Liboke ya Mbika

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Step-by-step instructions

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