Click on the image, above to submit to Pinterest.

V'sachy (Pumpkin Leaf Stew)

V'sachy (Pumpkin Leaf Stew) is a traditional Zambian recipe for a classic accompaniment or vegetarian stew of boiled pumpkin leaves in a peanut paste, onion and tomato base. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Zambian version of: Pumpkin Leaf Stew (V'sachy).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Serves:

4

Rating:

Tags : Vegetarian RecipesVegetable RecipesZambia Recipes

This is a classic Zambian recipe for a stew of greens that is typically served as an accompaniment. Traditionally, chabwawa, the leaves of the local pumpkin are used, but any edible leaves from the squash family can be employed (I've made this successfully with courgette [zucchini] and vegetable marrow leaves) Savoy cabbage, spring greens or collard greens also work well.

Ingredients:

250g chabwawa (pumpkin) leaves
water
200g peanut paste (raw peanuts pounded to a paste), or substitute peanut butter
pinch of baking soda
1 onion, finely chopped
4 tomatoes, finely chopped
salt, to taste

Method:

If using pumpkin leaves, pick them mid stem then peel the strings from the stem (or remove the central stem) and shred finely.

Wash thoroughly to remove any sand and grit.

Take a large pot or flame-proof casserole. Pour in just enough water to cover the base. Bring to a boil and add the pumpkin leaves. Cover and cook until the leaves begin to wilt and are bright green.

Mix the peanut paste with 200ml boiling water until smooth and add to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the baking soda (this helps soften the greens whilst preserving their colour).

Stir in the onion and tomatoes, bring to a simmer then cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes or until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened and darkened.

Serve hot as an accompaniment to a stew and n'shima.