Fumbwa (Congolese Wild Greens with Peanuts)
In short: Finely shredded wild greens simmered with palm oil, smoked fish and peanut paste into a thick, nutty stew. Served with rice or cassava loaf in Congo. It takes about 1 h 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Fumbwa is a forest leaf with a deep, slightly tangy flavor that Congolese cooks shred very fine and simmer until it melts into a thick sauce. Smoked fish, onion, palm oil and peanut paste round it out. It is a favorite at family meals and celebrations, ladled over rice or eaten with chikwangue. Frozen shredded fumbwa is sold in African grocery stores, and collard greens make a good stand-in.
Instructions
- Put the fumbwa and water in a large pot, cover and simmer for 30 minutes (20 minutes for collards), until the leaves are tender and the water has reduced by about half.
- Heat the palm oil in a pan and cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the onion mixture, spinach, smoked fish, chili and salt to the greens. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Whisk the peanut butter with 150 ml (2/3 cup) of hot liquid from the pot until smooth, then stir it into the stew.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the stew is thick and the oil separates around the edges. Adjust the salt and remove the chili.
- Serve hot over rice, or with chikwangue, fufu or boiled plantains.
Tips
- No fumbwa? Use 500 g (1 lb) collard greens or kale instead, stems removed, leaves rolled and sliced very thin. The flavor is milder and the texture softer, but the method is the same.
- For a vegetarian pot, leave out the fish and stir in another tablespoon of peanut butter and a handful of sliced mushrooms.
Questions and answers
What can I use instead of fumbwa leaves?
A mix of collard greens or kale and spinach, shredded finely, comes closest. The texture will be softer and the flavor a little milder.
What do you serve with fumbwa?
Rice, chikwangue (steamed cassava loaf), fufu or boiled plantains. A spoonful of pili-pili on the side adds heat.
Can I freeze fumbwa?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Fumbwa (Congolese Wild Greens with Peanuts)?
About 1 h 35 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Fumbwa (Congolese Wild Greens with Peanuts)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 23 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
