Zimbabwean Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew (Ndambe)
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew featuring the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, simmered in a savory tomato-based broth. This dish is a comforting and wholesome meal, often enjoyed with rice or sadza.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried black-eyed peas(soaked overnight or for at least 4 hours, then drained)
- 1 pound Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Tomatoes(diced, undrained)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 4 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 small Optional: Chili pepper(minced, for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 2
Add the minced garlic and optional chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Stir in the drained black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), water or broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Using canned diced tomatoes can save time. - 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the peas to soften slightly.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir well, cover, and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Test the sweet potatoes with a fork; they should be easily pierced. - 6
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a little more water or broth.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a thick, comforting consistency. - 7
Serve hot, traditionally with sadza or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Tip: This stew can also be served with a side of crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother stew, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot.
- ✓If using canned black-eyed peas, reduce the initial simmering time for the peas.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add cooked chicken or beef.
- Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor.