Cookbook:Zambian Vegetable Stir-Fry

Zambian Vegetable Stir-Fry
Category	Vegetable recipes
Difficulty

Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes

Zambian vegetable stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that showcases a medley of fresh vegetables cooked to perfection. This quick and easy stir-fry is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of Zambian produce.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup chibwabwa (pumpkin leaves), chopped (or other indigenous greens)
• 1 cup masau (African eggplant) slices (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife

Procedure

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Toss in the julienned carrot, thinly sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain their crispness.
4. Add the shredded cabbage, chibwabwa (or other indigenous greens), and masau (if using) to the wok. Continue stir-frying for another few minutes until the vegetables are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Season the stir-fry with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful not to over-salt, as the soy sauce will also contribute to the dish's saltiness.
6. Drizzle the soy sauce over the stir-fry and toss the vegetables to coat them evenly. If using sesame oil, add it now for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Stir-fry for another minute or so to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Remove the wok from the heat and serve the Zambian vegetable stir-fry hot as a delightful and nutritious side dish.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as snow peas, bok choy, or mushrooms, to customize the stir-fry according to your preferences.
• For a heartier version, you can add cooked tofu, tempeh, or chicken to the stir-fry for added protein.