Njama Njama (Cameroonian Sautéed Leafy Greens with Crayfish)
In short: Tender garden huckleberry leaves, or spinach and kale, sautéed with onion, tomato, palm oil and crayfish and served beside corn fufu. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 175 kcal
Njama njama is the Cameroonian name for garden huckleberry leaves, and for the simple, savory dish made from them. The leaves are washed, blanched and cooked down with onion, tomato, palm oil and ground crayfish until tender and glossy. It is usually served with corn fufu or boiled cassava or plantain. Spinach and kale make a good substitute when huckleberry leaves are not available.
Instructions
- Wash the leaves in several changes of cold water and drain. Chop them coarsely, or finely if you prefer a softer texture.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch huckleberry leaves or kale for 3 minutes and spinach for 1 minute, then drain, rinse under cold water and squeeze dry.
- Heat the palm oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 5 minutes, until soft, then add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for 5 more minutes, until the tomatoes break down.
- Stir in the crayfish, bouillon cube, salt and the pierced Scotch bonnet. Add the squeezed greens and stir to coat them in the oil.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the greens are tender and glossy. Remove the Scotch bonnet and serve hot with corn fufu.
Tips
- Squeeze the blanched greens very well, because extra water dilutes the flavor and turns the dish soupy.
- A pierced, whole Scotch bonnet gives fruity flavor with controlled heat. Chop it only if you like the dish fiery.
Questions and answers
What are garden huckleberry leaves?
The leaves of a nightshade-family plant grown as a vegetable in West and Central Africa. They are mildly bitter, cook down like spinach and should always be cooked.
Can I make njama njama without crayfish?
Yes. Leave out the crayfish and add a spoonful of ground roasted peanuts for savory depth, plus a little more salt. It then becomes a vegetarian side.
What do you serve with njama njama?
Corn fufu is the classic partner. Boiled cassava, plantain or yam also work, and it goes well beside grilled fish or chicken.
How long does it take to make Njama Njama (Cameroonian Sautéed Leafy Greens with Crayfish)?
About 55 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Njama Njama (Cameroonian Sautéed Leafy Greens with Crayfish)?
About 175 kcal per serving, with 8 g of protein, 11 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 175 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
