Chibwabwa (Zambian Pumpkin Leaves with Groundnut Sauce)
Chibwabwa is a Zambian dish of pumpkin leaves simmered in a sauce of ground roasted peanuts. The peanut paste thickens the pot into something rich and savory, while the leaves keep a green, slightly earthy edge. Onion, garlic, tomato and an optional hot pepper form the base. It is traditionally eaten with nshima, the thick maize porridge, which soaks up the sauce well and makes the meal filling.
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the diced tomato and the chopped hot pepper, if you are using it. Cook until the tomato has softened and broken down.
Blend the roasted peanuts in a blender or food processor until they form a smooth paste. If the peanuts will not come together, add a little water until the paste is workable.
Stir the peanut paste into the pot with the cooked vegetables until everything is well combined. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the chopped pumpkin leaves and stir them into the sauce. Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the leaves are tender.
Taste the sauce and add salt as you like. Take the pot off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, traditionally with nshima.
Real ingredients, clean nutrition.
Plant-based protein, superfoods, and pantry staples made from whole ingredients. Recipes on their blog too.
Browse Sprout Living →Affiliate link · PicksByRecipe may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
