Mullah Kombo
Mullah Kombo is a hearty and flavorful South Sudanese stew that combines tender beef, okra, spinach, and the unique addition of peanut butter and 'kombo' (bicarbonate of soda or magadi soda). This dish is a staple in many South Sudanese households, often served with kisra, injera, or asida.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef(cubed)
- 1 kg Okra(fresh or frozen, trimmed)
- 250 g Spinach(frozen or fresh)
- 3 tablespoons Peanut butter(unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon Kombo (bicarbonate of soda or magadi soda)(adjust to taste, can be bitter)
- 2 cubes Chicken stock powder
- 3 tablespoons Canola oil
- 6 cups Water
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine the cubed beef, canola oil, chicken stock cubes, salt, and black pepper. Add enough water to cover the meat.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
- 3
While the beef is simmering, prepare the okra. If using fresh okra, trim the ends. If using frozen, ensure it's thawed.
- 4
In a separate pot, add the okra and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- 5
Once the beef is tender, add the cooked okra and spinach to the pot with the beef. Stir to combine.
- 6
In a small bowl, dissolve the 'kombo' (bicarbonate of soda or magadi soda) in a little hot water. Add this mixture to the stew. Stir well.
- 7
Add the peanut butter to the stew. Stir continuously until it's fully incorporated and the stew thickens.
- 8
Simmer the stew, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to reach your desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- 9
Serve hot, traditionally with kisra, injera, or asida.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Kombo can have a slightly bitter taste, so adjust the amount to your preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- ✓If you don't have kombo, some recipes suggest using a small amount of baking soda, but be aware it might alter the flavor.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened for the best flavor profile.
- ✓This stew can be made vegetarian by omitting the beef and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations of Mullah Kombo do not include spinach.
- Onions and other spices can be added for extra flavor, though some traditional recipes omit them.
- Tuna can be used as a substitute for beef in some versions of this dish.