Ifisashi (Zambian Greens in Peanut Sauce) with Nshima
In short: Tender greens simmered with onion and tomato in a thick, nutty peanut sauce, served with firm white maize porridge called nshima. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 450 kcal
Ifisashi is one of Zambia's most loved relishes: leafy greens cooked down with tomato and onion, then thickened with ground peanuts into a rich, creamy sauce. It is served with nshima, the thick maize porridge that is the base of nearly every Zambian meal. You roll a small ball of nshima in your fingers, press a dent in it and use it to scoop up the greens. Some families add meat or dried fish.
Instructions
- Put the greens and 250 ml water in a pot with the salt. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes for spinach, or 20 minutes for tougher greens such as collards, until tender.
- Heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes until soft, then stir the mixture into the greens.
- Whisk the peanuts with the warm water until smooth. Stir into the greens and simmer on low for 12 to 15 minutes, until thick and creamy. Add a splash of water if it gets too dry.
- For the nshima, bring 500 ml of the water to a boil. Stir 75 g (3/4 cup) of the maize meal into the other 250 ml cold water until smooth and whisk it into the pot.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring, then add the remaining meal a handful at a time, stirring hard with a wooden spoon and pressing out lumps, until very stiff and smooth.
- Cover and cook on the lowest heat for 5 minutes. Stir once more and shape into a mound in a wet bowl.
- Serve the ifisashi hot, with a portion of nshima beside it.
Tips
- Collards or kale give the closest taste to traditional Zambian greens such as rape. Spinach is milder and needs much less cooking.
- For extra depth, stir in a spoonful of extra ground peanuts at the end. Add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda if you want the greens to stay vivid.
Questions and answers
What does ifisashi taste like?
Savory, earthy and nutty, with the greens softened by the peanut sauce. The tomato adds a little sharpness.
Is ifisashi vegan?
As written here, yes. Plain greens and peanuts are a very common way to make it in Zambia, though some cooks add meat or dried fish, so ask if you are eating it prepared elsewhere.
Can I use peanut butter?
Yes, as long as it contains just peanuts and perhaps salt. Whisk it in warm water first so it does not clump.
How long does it take to make Ifisashi (Zambian Greens in Peanut Sauce) with Nshima?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ifisashi (Zambian Greens in Peanut Sauce) with Nshima?
About 450 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 62 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
