Cassava Leaf Stew (Pondu)
A hearty and flavorful stew made from simmered cassava leaves, often combined with smoked fish, meat, and enriched with peanut butter and palm oil. It's a staple dish, typically served over rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Pounded cassava leaves(frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 lb Smoked fish(cleaned and flaked, or use fish stock)
- 1 lb Beef or goat meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup Smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Palm oil
- 2 Stock cubes (Maggi or similar)
- 3 cups Water(divided)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the meat: In a pot, combine the meat, 1 chopped onion, 1 stock cube, 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the meat is tender (about 45-60 minutes).
- 2
Prepare the stew base: In a separate large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- 3
Add flavorings: Stir in the chopped scotch bonnet pepper, flaked smoked fish (if using), and the remaining stock cube. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- 4
Incorporate peanut butter: In a bowl, whisk the peanut butter with 1 cup of warm water until smooth. Add this mixture to the pot and stir well.
- 5
Add cassava leaves: Add the pounded cassava leaves to the pot. If using fresh leaves, ensure they are finely pounded or processed. Add the remaining 1 cup of water.
- 6
Simmer the stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cassava leaves are tender and the stew has thickened. If using pre-cooked meat, add it during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
- 7
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The stew should be rich and savory.
- 8
Serve: Serve hot over steamed white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure cassava leaves are thoroughly cooked, as they can be toxic when raw.
- ✓If you cannot find pounded cassava leaves, you can use finely chopped fresh cassava leaves or even spinach as a substitute, though the texture will differ.
- ✓Smoked fish adds a crucial depth of flavor; if unavailable, use a good quality fish stock.
🔄 Variations
- Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and fish, and using vegetable stock.
- Some recipes include eggplant or other vegetables.