Soso ya Mbika (Manioc Leaf Stew)
A hearty and nutritious stew made from cassava leaves (soso), often cooked with smoked fish or meat and served with fufu or rice. This version focuses on the preparation of the cassava leaves.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Cassava leaves(fresh or frozen, finely chopped)
- 200 g Smoked fish(e.g., tilapia or catfish, flaked (optional))
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 200 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Palm oil
- 500 ml Water(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter(smooth (optional, for richness))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh cassava leaves, pound them until very fine. If using frozen, thaw and chop finely. It's crucial to cook cassava leaves thoroughly as they can be toxic if not prepared correctly.
💡 Tip: Many traditional methods involve boiling the leaves multiple times with changes of water to remove toxins. - 2
In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes have broken down.
- 4
Add the finely chopped cassava leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and tomato mixture.
- 5
Pour in the water. If using smoked fish, add it now. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cassava leaves are very tender and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally, adding more water if it becomes too dry.
💡 Tip: The long cooking time is essential for tenderizing the leaves and developing flavor. - 6
If using peanut butter, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking until well incorporated.
- 7
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with fufu, ugali, or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cassava leaves must be cooked thoroughly to remove cyanide compounds. If unsure about preparation, use pre-processed frozen leaves.
- ✓The texture of the stew should be thick and rich.
- ✓Smoked fish adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but other meats like beef or goat can also be used.
🔄 Variations
- Some variations include adding other leafy greens like spinach or bitter leaf.
- A pinch of chili powder can be added for extra heat.