Authentic Zimbabwean Muriwo Unedovi Recipe: A Traditional Peanut Butter Spinach Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 cup of peanut butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 green pepper (chopped)

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add the curry powder and salt to the pan, stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes and green pepper to the pan. Sauté until the tomatoes are soft and the green pepper is tender.
  5. Add the chopped spinach to the pan, stir to combine with the other ingredients. Cover the pan and let the spinach cook down for about 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter with water until it forms a smooth paste. Be sure there are no lumps.
  7. Add the peanut butter mixture to the pan, stir to combine with the spinach. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  8. Once the spinach is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from the heat. Your Muriwo Unedovi is ready to serve.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A pan large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for stirring.
  • Cooking oil - Any neutral oil suitable for frying or sautéing.
  • Chopping board - A surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the vegetables.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for mixing the peanut butter and water to create a smooth paste.
  • Stirring spoon - A spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients in the pan.

Recipe variations

  • Replace spinach with kale or collard greens
  • Add diced chicken or beef for a meaty version
  • Include other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes
  • Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a citrusy twist
  • Spice it up with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat
  • Include coconut milk for a creamier texture
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, or coriander
  • Make it vegan by using vegetable oil instead of cooking oil

Recipe overview

Muriwo Unedovi is a traditional Zimbabwean dish that offers a delicious blend of fresh spinach, spicy curry, and rich, creamy peanut butter. The name in Shona, one of the languages spoken in Zimbabwe, translates to "greens with peanut butter". The dish is widely popular for its nutritional values and unique taste. To make Muriwo Unedovi, you'll sauté onions, garlic, and spices, add fresh tomatoes and green pepper, then wilt in a large bunch of fresh spinach. The dish is finished with a generous dollop of peanut butter that melts into a delicious, creamy sauce. The resulting dish is a wonderful mix of flavors that's perfect served over rice or as a side to your main course. The preparation is straightforward and simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner but it's also unique and flavorful enough for a special occasion. Get ready to explore the exquisite tastes of Zimbabwean cuisine with this recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
    Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
  2. Can I substitute a different nut butter for peanut butter?
    Yes, you can use a different nut butter if you prefer. Almond butter or cashew butter would be good alternatives.
  3. Is this dish spicy?
    The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of curry powder or omit the green pepper.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional content of the dish.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It tends to develop more flavor as it sits, so it can be even more delicious the next day.
  6. What can I serve Muriwo Unedovi with?
    Muriwo Unedovi is commonly served with sadza (a cornmeal porridge) or plain rice. It can also be enjoyed with bread or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan with a lid to cook the Muriwo Unedovi.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to chop the onion, tomatoes, and green pepper.
  • Knife - A knife to chop the onion, tomatoes, and green pepper.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon to stir the ingredients while cooking.
  • Bowl - A bowl to mix the peanut butter with water.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, curry powder, and cooking oil.

Origin stories

Muriwo Unedovi is a beloved dish from Zimbabwe, a country recognized for its rich agricultural base. The main ingredient, spinach, is widely grown in home gardens across the nation, making this dish a true embodiment of home-cooked comfort food. The addition of peanut butter, or "dovi" in the Shona language, adds a uniquely African twist to this healthy and wholesome dish. The recipe reveals the ingenuity of the Zimbabwean people, who have learned to make delicious and nutritious meals from simple, locally available ingredients. It's not just a testament to the country's agricultural wealth, but also to the creativity and resourcefulness of its people.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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