Delicious and Healthy Sukuma Wiki: A Traditional Kenyan Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch of sukuma wiki (collard greens), finely chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 cup of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by washing your sukuma wiki (collard greens) thoroughly. Once clean, chop them finely and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the pan and continue to sauté for another minute.
  5. Next, add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook until they become soft and start to form a sauce.
  6. Add the salt, black pepper, and turmeric to the mixture. Stir everything together to combine.
  7. Crumble the beef bouillon cube into the mixture and stir until it's fully dissolved.
  8. Add the chopped sukuma wiki (collard greens) to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the greens have wilted and reduced in size.
  9. Add the water to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sukuma wiki is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  10. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Your sukuma wiki is now ready to be served!

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the sukuma wiki (collard greens), onion, tomatoes, and garlic.
  • Large pan - A spacious pan for sautéing and cooking the sukuma wiki.
  • Wooden spoon - A utensil for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the salt, black pepper, turmeric, and bouillon cube.
  • Measuring cup - A cup for measuring the water.

Recipe variations

  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the beef bouillon cube with vegetable bouillon or use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Add some heat to the dish by incorporating chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
  • For a heartier version, add cooked and diced chicken, beef, or bacon to the sukuma wiki.
  • Enhance the flavors by adding spices such as cumin, paprika, or curry powder.
  • For a creamy twist, stir in some coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking.
  • Include other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to add more color and texture.
  • Experiment with different greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of collard greens.
  • If you prefer a tangy taste, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of the bouillon cube.

Recipe overview

Sukuma Wiki, a popular dish in East Africa, is a hearty and nutritious recipe featuring collard greens as its star ingredient. Known for its health benefits and flavor, this dish is often served with Ugali (cornmeal porridge) or rice. In Swahili, 'Sukuma Wiki' means 'to stretch the week' - which speaks to this dish's affordability and convenience. It's a staple food for many households, helping to stretch out meals, particularly towards the end of the month when resources may be low. This recipe will guide you through the process of cooking Sukuma Wiki, from preparing the ingredients to the final steps of simmering the greens in a rich, flavorful sauce. While the dish is simple, the end result is a vibrant, delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains. Whether you're familiar with African cuisine or trying something new, this Sukuma Wiki recipe is sure to delight your tastebuds. Enjoy the journey of creating this traditional African dish right in your own kitchen.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook Sukuma Wiki?
    The total cooking time for this Sukuma Wiki recipe is approximately 30 minutes.
  2. Can I use other greens instead of collard greens?
    Yes, you can substitute collard greens with other similar leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard.
  3. Can I make Sukuma Wiki without meat?
    Absolutely! Sukuma Wiki can be made without meat for a vegetarian version. Simply omit the beef bouillon cube or replace it with vegetable bouillon for added flavor.
  4. Can I use frozen collard greens?
    Although fresh collard greens are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen collard greens as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
  5. Is Sukuma Wiki spicy?
    This recipe is not inherently spicy. However, if you prefer some heat, you can add chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to Sukuma Wiki?
    Certainly! Sukuma Wiki is a versatile dish, and you can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional content.
  7. What can I serve Sukuma Wiki with?
    Sukuma Wiki is traditionally served with Ugali, a Kenyan staple made from maize flour. However, it pairs well with other starches like rice, chapati, or even bread.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - For chopping and preparing the sukuma wiki.
  • Knife - To finely chop the sukuma wiki and dice the onions and tomatoes.
  • Large pan - To cook and sauté the ingredients.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoon - To accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and turmeric.
  • Cup - To measure and add water to the recipe.

Origin stories

Sukuma wiki, a beloved staple in Kenyan cuisine, carries a name that translates to "push the week" in Swahili. This term is indicative of the dish's practicality and sustainability. As a meal that can be stretched over several days, sukuma wiki is a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of Kenyan cooking practices. It's typically served with ugali, a type of cornmeal porridge, and can often be found on dinner tables across the country, from the bustling city of Nairobi to rural farming communities. The dish's vibrant flavor and hearty nature have made it a symbol of home and comfort for many Kenyans, both in and out of the country.

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.