Photo from muriellebanackissa.com
Saka Saka, also known as Cassava Leaves Stew, is a staple dish in many Central and West African countries, particularly in the Congo. This nutritious and flavorful stew is made from finely chopped cassava leaves, combined with various meats, fish, and spices. It's a hearty dish that brings the authentic taste of African cuisine to your table.
Ingredients:
2 lb (0.91 kg) fresh or frozen cassava leaves
1 lb (0.45 kg) smoked fish or meat (optional)
1 cup (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg) ground peanuts or peanut butter
1 cup (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg) palm oil
2 onions, chopped (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg)
2 cloves garlic, minced (0.05 lb or 0.023 kg)
2 bell peppers, chopped (0.5 lb or 0.23 kg)
4 tomatoes, chopped (1 lb or 0.45 kg)
2 stock cubes
1 tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups (0.91 L) water
Instructions:
Prepare the Cassava Leaves:
If using fresh cassava leaves, wash them thoroughly and finely chop. If using frozen, thaw them completely.
Cook the Cassava Leaves:
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the chopped cassava leaves and cook for about 30 minutes or until tender.
Prepare the Base:
In another pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers, and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they form a thick sauce.
Combine and Simmer:
Add the cooked cassava leaves to the pot with the tomato mixture. Stir in the ground peanuts or peanut butter, smoked fish or meat, stock cubes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving:
Serve Saka Saka hot, accompanied by rice, fufu, or boiled plantains. This stew is hearty and packed with flavor, making it a perfect main dish for a comforting meal.
Saka Saka is a nutritious and delicious dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Central and West Africa. Its combination of tender cassava leaves, savory meats, and flavorful spices makes it a must-try recipe for those seeking an authentic taste of African cuisine.
