Fumbua Elambani Na Mafuta Ya Nguba (Peanut Butter Spinach)
A flavorful and unique Angolan dish featuring spinach cooked with peanut butter, tomatoes, and palm oil. It's a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Central Africa, offering an earthy, nutty, and satisfying taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups Wild spinach (fumbwa leaves) or regular spinach(washed and chopped)
- 1/2 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp Palm oil(or vegetable oil)
- 8 oz Smoked catfish(cleaned and deboned, optional)
- 1/4 small Habanero pepper(chopped, or to taste, optional)
- 1/4 cup Roasted peanuts(crushed, for garnish, optional)
- 2 cups Water or stock
- 1/4 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using smoked catfish, soak it in hot water for about 5-10 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside. If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it. If using wild spinach (fumbwa), wash it thoroughly and chop.
- 2
In a pot, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of stock to a boil. Add the chopped spinach, cover, and simmer on low for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and optional habanero pepper to the pot. If using smoked catfish, add it now.
- 4
Stir in the peanut butter and palm oil. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- 5
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or stock.
- 6
Serve hot, garnished with crushed roasted peanuts if desired. This dish is traditionally served with rice or funge.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If wild spinach (fumbwa) is unavailable, regular spinach, kale, or collard greens can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, ensure the peanut butter is well incorporated into the sauce.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or okra.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked fish.