Monaheng Moru
Monaheng Moru is a flavorful and nutritious dish made from a combination of sorghum, beans, and leafy greens, often with the addition of pumpkin or other vegetables. It's a staple that showcases the agricultural bounty of Lesotho and provides sustained energy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Sorghum grains
- 1 cup Speckled beans (or other red beans)(soaked overnight)
- 8 cups Water(or more as needed)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 200 g Pumpkin(peeled and diced)
- 4 cups Leafy greens (e.g., spinach, kale)(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric(optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked beans and sorghum grains thoroughly under cold water.
- 2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed beans, sorghum grains, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans and sorghum are beginning to soften.
- 3
While the grains and beans are simmering, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, diced pumpkin, turmeric, and paprika (if using) to the onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the sorghum and beans. Stir well.
- 6
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the sorghum and beans are tender and the pumpkin is soft. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Stir in the chopped leafy greens and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until wilted and tender.
- 8
Season with salt and pepper to taste. The stew should be thick and hearty. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a quicker preparation, use canned beans (rinsed and drained).
- ✓Any type of leafy green can be used, such as spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.
- ✓This dish is even better the next day as the flavors meld.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken or beef.
- A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a touch of heat.