Mchicha na Karanga Stew
A flavorful and creamy vegetarian stew made with spinach and peanut butter, often enriched with other vegetables like eggplant and tomatoes. This dish highlights the popular combination of greens and peanuts in East African cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Spinach(fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter(creamy, unsweetened)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger(minced)
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 0.5 medium Eggplant(diced)
- 1 cup Coconut milk(light)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- 1 teaspoon Curry powder
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the diced eggplant and chopped tomatoes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and light coconut milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Add the spinach to the pot. If using fresh spinach, add it in batches, stirring until it wilts. If using frozen, stir it in until heated through.
- 7
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the stew has thickened. Season with salt to taste.
- 8
Serve hot, ideally with rice, ugali, or chapati.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well combined with the coconut milk to avoid lumps.
- ✓Adjust the chili pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- ✓For a creamier texture, you can use full-fat coconut milk.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers.
- For added protein, include cooked chickpeas or black-eyed peas.