zambian Recipes
16 delicious zambian recipes from around the world

Bemba-Style Fish Stew
A flavorful and aromatic fish stew, characteristic of the Bemba people of Zambia. It combines fresh fish with indigenous vegetables and spices, creating a comforting and nutritious meal.

Chibwabwa (Pumpkin Leaves in Peanut Sauce)
A nutritious and flavorful Zambian dish featuring tender pumpkin leaves simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Often served with nshima.

Chikanda
Chikanda, often referred to as 'African polony,' is a unique vegetarian delicacy from Zambia, traditionally made from the tubers of wild orchids. It has a dense, meat-like texture and a distinctive nutty flavor, owing to the inclusion of groundnuts. This dish is a celebratory food, often served at special occasions and gatherings, and can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or an accompaniment to Nshima.

Delele ne Mbalala (Zambian Okra and Groundnut Stew)
A hearty and flavorful stew made with okra, groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, and onions, often served as a relish with nshima.

Ifisashi
Ifisashi is a beloved Zambian dish made from leafy greens cooked in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. It's a versatile and nutritious staple, reflecting the country's culinary heritage. Traditionally prepared with local greens like spinach, kale, or pumpkin leaves, it's flavored with onions and tomatoes, and brought together by the nutty depth of groundnuts. Ifisashi is commonly served as a relish with Nshima, Zambia's staple cornmeal porridge.

Kapenta Stew
Kapenta are small, dried fish native to Lake Tanganyika, and a popular protein source in Zambia. This Kapenta Stew recipe features the fish simmered in a flavorful tomato and onion sauce, often seasoned with curry powder. It's a quick and savory dish, typically served with Nshima, Zambia's staple maize porridge, or rice.

Lumanda (Zambian Okra Stew)
A flavorful and vegetarian Zambian stew made with fresh okra, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a delightful dish often enjoyed with nshima.

Nshima with Okra and Groundnuts
A hearty and flavorful Zambian staple, this dish features nshima (a maize meal porridge) served with a rich stew of okra and groundnuts, offering a unique blend of textures and savory tastes.

Pumpkin Fritters (Pampan)
Sweet and slightly savory fritters made from mashed pumpkin, flour, and spices, deep-fried to a golden brown. A popular snack or dessert.

Zambian Beans with Tomatoes and Onions
A simple yet flavorful vegetarian stew made with beans, tomatoes, and onions, often served as a side dish or a light meal.

Zambian Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
A hearty and flavorful beef stew, slow-cooked with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and a blend of Zambian spices. This dish offers a comforting balance of savory and sweet, often served with nshima.

Zambian Chicken Peanut Stew
A rich and savory chicken stew simmered in a flavorful peanut butter sauce, a comforting and classic Zambian dish.

Zambian Fried Fish with Tomato Relish
Crispy pan-fried fish, a popular dish across Zambia, served with a vibrant and tangy tomato and onion relish, often enjoyed as a light meal or side.

Zambian Goat Stew with Mungongo
A hearty and flavorful goat stew, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and the unique nutty flavor of mungongo nuts, a staple in Zambian cuisine.

Zambian Okra and Peanut Stew (Delele ne Mbalala)
A flavorful and slightly tangy stew made with okra (delele) and a rich peanut sauce (mbalala). This dish is a staple relish often served with nshima.

Zambian Sweet Potato and Bean Stew
A comforting and nutritious stew featuring sweet potatoes and beans in a flavorful tomato and onion base, often seasoned with local spices.