Masamba ndi Mpunga wa Nyemba
A nutritious and flavorful dish combining collard greens (masamba) cooked with groundnuts and served with rice and beans. This dish highlights the use of local greens and the popular groundnut paste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Collard greens (Masamba)(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Groundnut (Peanut) butter(smooth or crunchy)
- 2 cups Long-grain rice
- 1.5 cups Cooked kidney beans
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside. Cook the rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
- 2
While the rice cooks, prepare the greens. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Add the chopped collard greens (masamba) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and tomato mixture.
- 5
Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the groundnut (peanut) butter with the remaining 2 cups of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the greens.
- 7
Add the cooked kidney beans to the pot. Stir gently and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld. Do not boil vigorously after adding peanut butter.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the masamba mixture hot over the cooked rice, with extra beans on the side if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If collard greens are tough, you can blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the pot.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-incorporated to avoid a greasy sauce.
- ✓This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Other leafy greens like spinach or kale can be used if collard greens are unavailable.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or a chopped chili for a spicier version.
- For a richer dish, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added with the tomatoes.