Zambian ifisashi greens cooking guide
Ifisashi is a traditional Zambian dish known for its simplicity and rich flavors, focusing on greens and peanuts. It's a staple in Zambia, showing the country's preference for vegetable-based meals. This vegetarian and eggless dish caters to various dietary preferences. Originating from the necessity to create hearty meals with available ingredients, ifisashi has become a beloved recipe across generations. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this nutritious dish, you will need one bunch of collard greens or spinach (approximately 500 grams), two medium-sized tomatoes, one large onion, two cloves of garlic, one cup of unsalted peanut butter, two cups of water or vegetable stock, salt to taste, and one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Preparing the greens
Begin by warming a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Saute these ingredients until they become soft and translucent, which should take about three to four minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the flavorful base for your ifisashi, essential for its rich taste.
Adding tomatoes and peanut butter
Once the onions have softened, proceed by adding the diced tomatoes into the pot. Let them cook until they soften and start to combine with the onions and garlic, a process that typically takes around five minutes. Following this, stir in your cup of peanut butter thoroughly until it is completely mixed with the tomato-based sauce, ensuring a uniform texture throughout the mixture.
Incorporating greens
After mixing in the peanut butter thoroughly with your tomato base, add your chopped greens to the pot. Pour in two cups of water or vegetable stock to help cook down the greens and create a stew-like consistency. Cover your pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until your greens are tender.
Seasoning your dish
Season your ifisashi with salt to taste and stir well, ensuring even distribution. Cook uncovered for five more minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate. This thickens the sauce, which clings to the tender greens. Enjoy this Zambian ifisashi Greens as a main course with rice or as a hearty stew. Its simple ingredients deliver a nutrient-packed meal, ideal for exploring vegetarian African cuisine.
