Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter

Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter Recipe from Tanzania

Region / culture: Tanzania | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy taste of spinach with the rich creaminess of peanut butter. This dish is a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans, as it is packed with protein and vitamins.

History

This recipe has its roots in African cuisine, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of spinach and peanut butter is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) spinach (collards may be substituted)
1.5 oz (43 g) peanut butter
1 tomato
1 onion
2 tsp curry powder
1 cup coconut milk
3 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp salt

How to prepare

Wash the spinach and chop the leaves after rolling them together.
Place the tomato in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then peel and chop it.
Peel and chop the onion.
Combine the peanut butter with the coconut milk.
Heat the oil over medium heat in a large frying pan.
Add the onion, tomato, salt, and curry powder, and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add the spinach and continue cooking until it is cooked.
Add the mixture of peanut butter and coconut milk.
Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Variations

Add chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.
Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
Add diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- To make the dish creamier, you can add more peanut butter or coconut milk.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions and tomatoes until they are soft and fragrant.

- Simmer the spinach in the peanut butter and coconut milk mixture to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.

- Substitute almond milk or soy milk for coconut milk.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter with a side of cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Curried Spinach and Peanut Butter. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, looking for inspiration for a new dish to try. As I sifted through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe that caught my attention.

The recipe was titled "African-inspired Curried Spinach with Peanut Butter," and it piqued my curiosity. I had never heard of such a combination before, but something about it intrigued me. I could almost taste the rich, creamy peanut butter blending with the spicy curry flavors and the earthy spinach. I knew I had to give it a try.

I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of the ingredients and the instructions. It seemed simple enough, with just a few basic ingredients like spinach, onions, garlic, curry powder, and of course, peanut butter. I could already imagine the fragrant aroma that would fill my kitchen as the dish cooked.

As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, memories of my grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had instilled in me a love of cooking and a curiosity for trying new flavors and cuisines. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the recipe, offering tips and tricks to make it just right.

I sautéed the onions and garlic, letting their sweet aroma fill the air. Then I added the curry powder, letting it toast in the hot pan before adding the spinach. As the spinach wilted down, I stirred in a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter, watching as it melted into the sauce and transformed it into a rich and velvety masterpiece.

The dish was finally ready, and I couldn't wait to taste it. I served myself a steaming bowl of the curried spinach and peanut butter, taking a cautious bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the spicy curry melding perfectly with the nutty sweetness of the peanut butter. It was a revelation, a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I could already envision serving it to my family and friends, watching as their eyes lit up with delight at the unexpected combination of flavors. It was a dish that told a story, a story of exploration and discovery, of blending cultures and traditions into something new and delicious.

As I sat back, savoring the last few bites of the curried spinach and peanut butter, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous discovery of this recipe. It was a reminder of the joy that cooking brought me, of the connection to my past and the promise of new culinary adventures to come. And as I washed the dishes and put away the leftovers, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I stumbled upon a culinary gem that would become a cherished part of my cooking legacy.