Saka Saka (Pondu)
Saka Saka, also known as Pondu or Mpondu, is a staple dish in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, made from cassava leaves. This hearty and nutritious stew is slow-cooked with aromatics like onions and garlic, often enriched with palm oil, and can include proteins like smoked fish, beef, or chicken. It's typically served with starchy sides such as rice, fufu, or plantains.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 0.25 cup Palm oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 medium Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 2.5 cups Vegetable broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 3 tablespoons Natural peanut butter
- 4 oz Smoked fish(deboned and flaked (optional))
- 1 lb Beef or chicken(cut into bite-sized pieces (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cassava leaves, wash them thoroughly and remove tough stems. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well. Chop the leaves finely or process into a paste using a food processor.
- 2
Heat the palm oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped cassava leaves, finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using meat, add it at this stage and ensure it is cooked through.
- 5
Stir in the natural peanut butter and the flaked smoked fish (if using). Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with rice, fufu, or fried plantains.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cassava leaves can be bitter; boiling them in a separate pot of water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the stew can help reduce bitterness.
- ✓The stew benefits from slow cooking, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
- ✓If palm oil is unavailable, a neutral vegetable oil can be used, though it will alter the authentic flavor profile.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include other greens like spinach or kale alongside cassava leaves.
- Other proteins such as beef, goat, or chicken can be used instead of or in addition to smoked fish.
- Ground crayfish or dried shrimp can be added for extra depth of flavor.