Zimbabwean Beans with Tomatoes and Onions (Nyemba dze Dovi)
A simple yet flavorful dish of slow-cooked beans, simmered with tomatoes, onions, and a touch of peanut butter for a creamy, savory finish. This is a versatile side dish or a light main, often enjoyed with sadza.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried beans(e.g., black-eyed peas, kidney beans, or sugar beans, soaked overnight)
- 1.5 liters Water(or enough to cover beans generously)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped, or 1/2 cup tomato paste)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter(optional, for creaminess)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until beans are partially tender.
- 2
While beans are simmering, heat vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add chopped tomatoes (or tomato paste) to the onions and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down.
- 4
Drain most of the water from the beans, leaving just enough to cover them. Add the sautéed onion and tomato mixture to the pot with the beans.
- 5
Stir in salt and pepper. If using peanut butter, whisk it with a little hot liquid from the pot until smooth, then stir it into the beans.
- 6
Cover the pot and continue to simmer on low heat for another 30-45 minutes, or until the beans are fully tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more water if it becomes too dry.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- ✓If you don't have time to soak, use a quick soak method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then let stand for 1 hour before draining and proceeding.
- ✓The addition of peanut butter is optional but adds a lovely richness and authentic Zimbabwean touch.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of curry powder or a chopped chili for extra flavor.
- Stir in some chopped greens like spinach or collard greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking.