Saka-Saka (Cassava Leaves with Smoked Fish)
Local name: Saka-saka
In short: Pounded cassava leaves simmered for a long time with smoked fish, onion, garlic and palm oil until dark, thick and savory. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Saka-saka is cassava leaves pounded and simmered for a long time with oil, onion and smoked fish, and it is everyday home cooking in Gabon. The result is dark green, thick and deeply savory, with a taste somewhat like cooked spinach but earthier. It is served with rice, boiled cassava or plantain. Use frozen pounded leaves for convenience, and be sure to cook them until completely soft.
Instructions
- Put the cassava leaves, onion, garlic, whole chili and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the smoked fish, palm oil, peanut butter, if using, and the salt.
- Cook uncovered for 30 minutes more, stirring often, until the stew is thick, dark and glossy and the oil is visible. Add a splash of water if it starts to stick.
- Taste, adjust the salt and remove the chili.
- Serve hot with rice, boiled cassava or plantain.
Tips
- Cassava leaves must always be cooked until completely soft. Never serve them raw or lightly cooked.
- Dried shrimp are a classic alternative to smoked fish. Soak 2 tbsp in warm water for 10 minutes and add them with the oil.
Questions and answers
Where do I find cassava leaves?
African and Caribbean grocery stores sell them frozen, already pounded. They may be labeled saka-saka, pondu or cassava leaves.
Can I use spinach instead?
You can use 600 g (1 1/4 lb) of spinach or collard greens for a quicker version. Cook them for only 15 to 20 minutes, since they soften much faster than cassava leaves.
Can I make saka-saka ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and freezes for 3 months. The flavor deepens on standing, so it is often better the next day.
How long does it take to make Saka-Saka (Cassava Leaves with Smoked Fish)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Saka-Saka (Cassava Leaves with Smoked Fish)?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 18 g of protein, 28 g of carbohydrates and 21 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
