Kontomire Stew (Ghanaian Cocoyam Leaf Stew with Boiled Yam)
In short: Spinach or cocoyam leaves stewed in palm oil with tomato, ground melon seeds and smoked fish, served with boiled yam and eggs. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 730 kcal
Kontomire is the leaf of the cocoyam, and in Ghana it is cooked down in palm oil with onion, tomato, pepper and smoked fish into a dark green stew served over boiled yam and eggs. Ground melon seeds (egusi) make the richer version often called palava sauce. Fresh cocoyam leaves are hard to find abroad, but spinach is a very good stand-in. It is a Sunday and market-day dish, simple, filling and full of flavor.
Instructions
- Put the yam in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until tender. Drain and keep warm.
- Warm the palm oil in a wide pot over medium heat for 1 minute, without letting it smoke. Cook the onion for 6 minutes, then add the garlic, ginger and scotch bonnet for 2 minutes.
- Add the blended tomatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is thick and the oil separates at the edges.
- Mix the ground egusi with the 120 ml (1/2 cup) water to a paste. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 8 minutes, until it forms soft curds.
- Add the smoked fish and 250 ml (1 cup) water and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach a few handfuls at a time until wilted. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the greens are very tender and the stew is thick. Season with salt.
- Serve the stew with the boiled yam and halved eggs.
Tips
- If you find fresh or frozen cocoyam (taro) leaves, boil them for 25 to 30 minutes first and drain. They must be cooked thoroughly, because raw leaves irritate the mouth and throat.
- For a lighter stew, leave out the egusi and cook the greens straight in the tomato sauce. Plantain or rice can replace the yam.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between kontomire stew and palava sauce?
They are close relatives. Palava sauce usually includes ground melon seeds and fish or meat, while plain kontomire stew often skips the seeds. The two names are used loosely.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Use 600 g (1 1/3 lb) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, and add it after the sauce has simmered.
What goes with kontomire stew?
Boiled yam, plantain, cocoyam or rice, plus boiled eggs. Served with boiled starches like this, the meal is called ampesi.
How long does it take to make Kontomire Stew (Ghanaian Cocoyam Leaf Stew with Boiled Yam)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Kontomire Stew (Ghanaian Cocoyam Leaf Stew with Boiled Yam)?
About 730 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 72 g of carbohydrates and 37 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 730 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 72 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Fiber | 11 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
