Nshima with Okra and Groundnuts
A hearty and flavorful Zambian staple, this dish features nshima (a maize meal porridge) served with a rich stew of okra and groundnuts, offering a unique blend of textures and savory tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Maize meal (cornmeal)
- 1.5 liters Water(for nshima)
- 500 g Okra(fresh or frozen, sliced)
- 200 g Groundnuts (peanuts)(roasted and ground into a paste or powder)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 250 ml Water(for the stew)
- to taste Salt
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the nshima: In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in half of the maize meal until smooth. Reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Gradually add the remaining maize meal, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a stiff, porridge-like consistency is achieved. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, ensuring it's well-cooked. Cover and keep warm.
- 2
While the nshima cooks, prepare the stew: Heat cooking oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and chopped chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a sauce, about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the groundnut paste/powder and mix well. Gradually add 250 ml of water, stirring to combine and form a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Add the sliced okra to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Season the stew with salt to taste. Serve the okra and groundnut stew hot alongside the prepared nshima.
💡 Tip: Ensure the nshima is firm enough to hold its shape when served.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother groundnut paste, you can blend roasted peanuts with a little water.
- ✓If using frozen okra, you may not need to cook it for as long.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water for the stew to achieve your desired consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the stew.
- For a richer flavor, a small piece of dried fish can be added to the stew while it simmers.