Mchicha ya Kunde na Karanga
Tanzanian Black-Eyed Pea and Spinach Stew
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew from Tanzania, combining the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas with tender spinach, enriched by the creamy texture of peanut butter and coconut milk. This dish is a staple, often served with ugali or rice, and showcases the use of legumes and greens in Tanzanian cooking.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Spinach(fresh or frozen, roughly chopped)
- 400 g Black-eyed peas(canned, drained and rinsed, or 1 cup dried, soaked and cooked)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Peanut butter(creamy or crunchy, natural preferred)
- 1 cup Full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Water or vegetable broth(as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and coconut milk until smooth. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large frying pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes and curry powder to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Add the chopped spinach to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 5-10 minutes. If using frozen spinach, cook according to package directions.
- 5
Stir in the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and the peanut butter-coconut milk mixture. Mix well to combine.
- 6
Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the stew is heated through and the flavors have melded. Add a splash of water or broth if the stew becomes too thick.
- 7
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils.
- ✓If you can find amaranth greens (mchicha), they are traditionally used in this dish and offer a slightly different flavor profile.
- ✓Adjust the amount of curry powder to your preference for spice level.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced sweet potatoes or bell peppers along with the tomatoes.
- For a non-vegetarian version, you can add cooked chicken or beef.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness.