Zimbabwean Fish and Vegetable Stew (Nyama Hove)
A flavorful and light stew featuring fresh fish cooked with a medley of vegetables and seasoned with traditional spices. Often served with sadza, it's a popular dish, especially in areas near water bodies.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as bream, tilapia, or cod, cut into chunks)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 1 chopped Bell peppers (any color)
- 200 g Spinach or collard greens(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water or fish stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1-2 finely chopped Optional: Chili peppers
- 1 tsp Optional: Curry powder
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes💡 Tip: Ensure onions are translucent but not browned. - 2
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili peppers. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir in chopped tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Add the chopped spinach or collard greens. Stir until they begin to wilt.
💡 Tip: If using tougher greens like collards, cook them a bit longer. - 5
Pour in the water or fish stock. Add optional curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 6
Gently add the fish chunks to the simmering stew. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break the fish apart. - 7
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Avoid overcooking the fish.
⏱️ 15 minutes💡 Tip: The fish should be opaque and cooked through. - 8
Serve the fish and vegetable stew hot, traditionally with sadza, or rice.
💡 Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, firm fish for the best results.
- ✓Don't over-stir the stew once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preference for heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like okra, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes.
- For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of water or fish stock.
- Include a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving for brightness.