Tute ne Mbalala (Zambian Roasted Cassava and Groundnuts)
Local name: Tute ne mbalala
In short: Boiled cassava finished over a hot grill until crisp and smoky, eaten with a handful of salted roasted groundnuts. A classic Zambian street snack. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 495 kcal
Tute ne mbalala, cassava with groundnuts, is the snack Zambians buy at bus stops and markets. The cassava is boiled until tender, then roasted or fried so that the outside turns crisp, smoky and slightly sweet. It is sold in paper with a scoop of roasted peanuts. The pairing is salty, starchy and filling, and a good snack for people on the move.
Instructions
- Put the cassava in a pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until completely tender.
- Drain and cool for 5 minutes. Cut each piece in half lengthwise and cut out the woody core in the center.
- Brush the cassava with oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, or a broiler to high. Cook the cassava for 4 to 5 minutes per side until crisp and charred at the edges.
- Meanwhile, toast the peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and the skins blister. Toss with the salt and chili powder.
- Serve the hot cassava with a handful of peanuts on the side.
Tips
- Use sweet cassava from a grocery store, never wild bitter cassava, and cook it until completely tender. Never eat cassava raw.
- No grill? Shallow-fry the boiled cassava pieces in 2 cm of oil for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden.
Questions and answers
What does roasted cassava taste like?
Mild, starchy and slightly sweet, with a crisp outside after roasting. It is somewhat like a dense potato.
Can I use frozen cassava?
Yes. Boil it straight from the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, then roast as in the recipe.
Can I make it ahead?
Boil the cassava a day ahead and refrigerate it, then roast just before serving. The peanuts keep in a jar for a week.
How long does it take to make Tute ne Mbalala (Zambian Roasted Cassava and Groundnuts)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tute ne Mbalala (Zambian Roasted Cassava and Groundnuts)?
About 495 kcal per serving, with 13 g of protein, 58 g of carbohydrates and 25 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 495 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
