Pom (dish)

Pom (Dish)

Pom is a traditional Surinamese dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations. It is a baked dish made primarily from the root of the pomtajer plant, also known as the tayer or taro root, and chicken. The dish is a fusion of African, Amerindian, and Jewish culinary influences, reflecting the multicultural history of Suriname.

History

The history of Pom can be traced back to the 17th century when African slaves brought to Suriname by the Dutch introduced the pomtajer plant. The plant was originally used for medicinal purposes, but over time, it became a staple food in the Surinamese diet. The Jewish influence on the dish comes from the method of preparation, which involves baking the dish in an oven, a technique that was not common in traditional African or Amerindian cooking.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in Pom are the pomtajer root and chicken. The pomtajer root is grated and mixed with orange juice, salt, pepper, and other seasonings to create a paste. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and other spices, then layered with the pomtajer paste in a baking dish. The dish is then baked until it is golden brown and crispy on top.

Preparation

Preparation of Pom involves several steps. First, the pomtajer root is peeled and grated. The grated root is then mixed with orange juice, salt, pepper, and other seasonings to create a paste. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and other spices. The marinated chicken is then layered with the pomtajer paste in a baking dish. The dish is then baked in an oven until it is golden brown and crispy on top.

Serving

Pom is typically served as a main course and is often accompanied by rice and vegetables. It is a popular dish at special occasions and celebrations in Suriname, and is also enjoyed by Surinamese communities around the world.

See Also

• Surinamese cuisine
• Taro root
• African cuisine
• Jewish cuisine

References

• Surinamese cuisine
• Taro root
• African cuisine
• Jewish cuisine