Naboulou (Malian Meat and Baobab Leaf Stew)
Naboulou is a flavorful Malian stew featuring tender meat (often lamb or beef) cooked with nutrient-rich baobab leaves in a savory sauce. It's a dish that highlights the use of indigenous ingredients and is typically served over millet or rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(cut into cubes)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or fresh, pureed)
- 500 g Baobab leaves(fresh or dried, rehydrated and chopped (spinach or collard greens can be substituted))
- 4 tablespoons Peanut butter(smooth)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed meat and brown it on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the vegetable broth or water, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- 5
Stir in the chopped baobab leaves (or substitute greens). Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the leaves are tender.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a ladleful of the hot stew liquid to create a smooth paste. Stir this peanut butter mixture back into the stew.
- 7
Simmer the stew for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve Naboulou hot over cooked millet or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh baobab leaves are unavailable, dried baobab leaves can be rehydrated according to package instructions. Spinach or collard greens are a good substitute.
- ✓Peanut butter adds a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor to the stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations of Naboulou may include other vegetables like sweet potatoes or okra.
- For a richer flavor, smoked meat can be used.