Gbekui
Beninese Vegetable Specialty
Gbekui is a unique and flavorful vegetable dish from Benin, often prepared with a variety of local greens and seasoned to perfection. It showcases the resourceful use of vegetables in Beninese cuisine and is typically served as a side dish or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mixed leafy greens(e.g., spinach, amaranth, cassava leaves, or a combination)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1/2 - 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- 1 Fish or chicken stock cube(crumbled)
- 100 ml Water(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Crayfish powder (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Wash the leafy greens thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces. If using tougher greens like cassava leaves, they may need to be blanched or cooked slightly longer.
- 2
In a large pot or skillet, heat the palm oil (or vegetable oil) over medium heat.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the mixture is fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the crumbled stock cube and crayfish powder (if using). Add the water and bring to a simmer.
- 6
Add the chopped leafy greens to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sauce.
💡 Tip: The greens will wilt down significantly. - 7
Cover the pot and let the Gbekui simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded. Add more water if the mixture becomes too dry.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. The dish should be savory and slightly spicy.
- 9
Serve hot as a side dish with rice, fufu, or other Beninese staples.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a variety of greens will add complexity to the flavor and texture.
- ✓If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, tomato paste (about 2 tablespoons) can be used, but add a little more water.
- ✓For a richer flavor, consider adding a small piece of smoked fish during the simmering process.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include small pieces of smoked fish or dried shrimp for added flavor.
- A small amount of palm nut paste can be added for a more traditional flavor profile.