Delele ne Mbalala (Zambian Okra and Groundnut Stew)
A hearty and flavorful stew made with okra, groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, and onions, often served as a relish with nshima.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Okra(fresh, trimmed and sliced)
- 150 g Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy, unsweetened)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 500 ml Water
- to taste Salt
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat cooking oil in a pot or large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in chopped tomatoes and optional chili pepper. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down.
- 4
Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir well to combine with the tomato mixture.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with about 1 cup of warm water until smooth. This helps prevent lumps.
- 6
Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pot with the okra and tomatoes. Add the remaining water and stir thoroughly.
- 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with nshima.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly fry it before adding it to the stew, or add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar towards the end of cooking.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is unsweetened for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired stew consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add small pieces of dried fish or smoked fish for an extra layer of flavor.
- Include other vegetables like spinach or pumpkin leaves.
- For a richer stew, use a combination of water and vegetable or chicken broth.