Surinamese Pom — Chicken and Pomtajer Casserole

1–3 minutes

A celebratory Surinamese casserole of chicken, citrus and prepared pomtajer.

Chef-tested
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Golden-orange baked Surinamese pom in a rectangular metal pan.

Pom is one of Suriname’s best-known festive dishes. Its history is connected with Surinamese Jewish and Creole food culture, with local pomtajer replacing European potato in the casserole.

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Cuisine
Surinamese

The recipe

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Ingredients

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 190°C and grease a deep baking dish.

  2. Brown chicken lightly in oil, then add onion, tomato paste, tomatoes, allspice, salt and pepper and cook until saucy.

  3. Mix prepared pomtajer with orange and lime juices and half the chicken sauce.

  4. Spread half the pomtajer mixture in the dish, add the chicken filling, then cover with the remaining mixture.

  5. Bake for 75–90 minutes until fully set, browned and piping hot through the center. Rest 15 minutes before serving.

Chef’s notes

Use commercially prepared frozen grated pomtajer intended for cooking and follow package directions. The citrus should brighten the rich casserole without making it sharply sour.

Tips and variations

Pomtajer is central to traditional pom; if it is unavailable, choose another Surinamese dish rather than presenting a different root as an exact substitute.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered until fully hot throughout.

Allergens

Check packaged pomtajer and tomato products for declared allergens.

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