Sudanese Asida with Vegetable Stew
Asida is a staple Sudanese dish made from sorghum flour, forming a soft, dough-like base. It's traditionally served with a flavorful vegetable stew (mullah) that can vary widely but often includes tomatoes, onions, and spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups Sorghum flour
- 6 cups Water(for the asida, plus more as needed)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee(for the asida)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(diced (any color))
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Asida: In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in the sorghum flour, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Continue whisking vigorously as the mixture thickens.
💡 Tip: Using a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon is essential for this step. - 2
Once a thick dough forms, reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a tablespoon of oil or ghee towards the end and mix well.
- 3
While the asida is cooking, prepare the stew: Heat 2 tbsp of oil or ghee in a separate large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth (or water), diced carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 7
To serve, spoon a generous portion of the asida onto a plate, making a well in the center. Ladle the hot vegetable stew into the well and over the asida. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
💡 Tip: Some prefer to mold the asida into a bowl shape on the plate.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the sorghum flour is fresh for the best texture.
- ✓Don't overcook the asida, or it can become too hard.
- ✓The vegetable stew can be customized with other vegetables like zucchini or okra.
- ✓A pinch of chili powder can add extra heat if desired.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked meat (lamb or beef) to the vegetable stew for a heartier meal.
- Serve with a side of a spicy Sudanese salad (Salata).