Cassava Leaf Stew with Peanut Sauce (Umutobe)
A deeply flavorful and traditional Burundian dish featuring tender cassava leaves simmered in a rich, savory peanut sauce. Often enriched with small pieces of meat or fish, this stew is a cornerstone of Burundian cuisine, celebrated for its unique taste and texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh cassava leaves(washed and finely chopped (or frozen/dried, prepared according to package instructions))
- 150 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth or crunchy)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 200 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 750 ml Water or broth
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 100 g Optional: Small pieces of beef, chicken, or fish
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cassava leaves, boil them in plenty of water for at least 30-45 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and chop finely. If using pre-processed leaves, follow package directions for preparation.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. If using meat or fish, add it now and brown lightly.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to break down.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a cup of the water or broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot along with the remaining water or broth.
- 6
Add the prepared cassava leaves to the pot. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are very tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Ensure the peanut sauce is well incorporated and the stew has a rich, creamy consistency. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cassava leaves can be bitter; boiling them multiple times in fresh water can help reduce bitterness.
- ✓The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the leaves will become and the richer the flavors will be.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-mixed with liquid before adding to the pot to prevent clumping.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate other leafy greens like spinach or kale along with the cassava leaves.
- Serve with rice, ugali, or boiled sweet potatoes.