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.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Leafy greens(e.g., spinach, kale, collard greens, pumpkin leaves, chopped)
- 1 cup Ground peanuts(roasted and ground into powder, or use unsweetened peanut butter)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Water(plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 optional Vegetarian bouillon cube
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the greens: Wash and chop the leafy greens into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add greens: Add the chopped leafy greens to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5-8 minutes until they begin to wilt.
- 4
Prepare peanut sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the ground peanut powder (or peanut butter) with 1 cup of warm water until smooth. If using a bouillon cube, dissolve it in this water.
- 5
Combine and simmer: Pour the peanut mixture into the pot with the greens. Stir well to combine. Season with salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the Ifisashi simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the greens are tender.
- 6
Adjust consistency and seasoning: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Any type of leafy green can be used, including a mix.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use roasted groundnuts.
- ✓If using peanut butter, ensure it's unsweetened and natural.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include adding other vegetables like okra or sweet potato leaves.
- For a non-vegetarian version, small pieces of chicken or fish can be added during the simmering stage.