Chibwawa
Chibwawa, a nutritious Zambian vegetable dish, combines tender pumpkin leaves with groundnuts and tomatoes. Its creamy, savory profile makes it a delightful relish, perfect with nshima or rice.
Ingredients
Nutrition (per serving)
Instructions
Peel, dice, and wash the chibwawa leaves thoroughly.
Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and the chibwawa leaves, boiling for 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomato and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add salt and pounded groundnuts, simmering until the groundnuts are fully submerged, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the diced onion and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve hot with nshima or rice.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, tender pumpkin leaves for the best flavor.
- Baking soda helps soften the leaves but use sparingly to avoid altering the taste.
- Pounded groundnuts should be finely ground for a creamy texture.
- Stir gently to maintain the integrity of the leaves.
- Pair with a protein relish for a complete Zambian meal.
Cultural Significance
Chibwawa is a staple in Zambian diets, valued for its nutritional benefits and affordability. Often grown in home gardens, it reflects the country’s tradition of using local greens to create wholesome, family-friendly dishes.