Cookbook:Ifisashi (Zambian Peanut and Spinach Stew)
Ifisashi (Zambian Peanut and Spinach Stew) | |
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Category | Stew recipes |
Difficulty |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
Ifisashi is a delicious and hearty Zambian stew made with a flavorful combination of peanuts and spinach. This nutritious dish is a staple in Zambian cuisine and is often served with nshima, a popular Zambian side dish made from cornmeal.
Ingredients
edit- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups raw shelled and skinned peanuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Equipment
edit- Large pot
- Blender or food processor
- Cutting board
- Knife
Procedure
edit- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the diced tomato, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend the shelled peanuts until they form a smooth paste. You may need to add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add the peanut paste to the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in enough water to reach your desired consistency for the stew. Stir to mix the water with the peanut and vegetable mixture.
- Season the stew with ground cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground paprika, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Let the stew simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir to incorporate it into the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes, tips, and variations
edit- Ifisashi is traditionally served with nshima, a thick cornmeal porridge that complements the flavors of the stew.
- You can add other vegetables like eggplant or okra to the stew for added taste and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, you can blend some of the cooked vegetables along with the peanut paste before adding it back to the pot.
- Peanuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin K.