Ifisashi

Ifisashi Recipe: Vegetarian Delight from Chad and Zambia

Region / culture: Chad, Zambia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ifisashi is a traditional Zambian dish made with peanuts, sweet potato leaves, and a variety of other ingredients. This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Zambian cuisine and is enjoyed by many for its rich and satisfying flavors.

History

Ifisashi has been a popular dish in Zambia for generations, with its origins dating back to the indigenous tribes of the region. The dish is typically made with ingredients that are readily available in Zambia, such as peanuts, sweet potato leaves, tomatoes, and onions. Over the years, different variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 to 2 cups raw peanuts, shelled and skins removed
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 or 3 lb of collard greens, pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, stems removed, washed, rinsed, and chopped
salt (to taste)
cooked cabbage (optional)
leftover cooked beef, chicken, or fish (optional)

How to prepare

Grind, chop, or pound peanuts into a fine powder.
Bring a few cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
Add the peanuts, tomatoes, and onion.
Cook on high heat for several minutes, stirring often.
Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in greens.
Add salt.
Cover the pot.
Cook for 15 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
Add water if the mixture becomes dry and starts to scorch.
Continue cooking until the greens and peanuts are reduced to a thick sauce.
Adjust the seasoning and add optional ingredients.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add cooked cabbage or leftover fish for extra flavor and protein.
Substitute sweet potato leaves with spinach or kale for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grind or chop the peanuts into a fine powder to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.

- Be sure to stir the mixture often while cooking to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or other spices as needed to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Ifisashi is traditionally served with nshima, a staple food in Zambia made from maize meal. It can also be enjoyed with rice or bread.

Cooking Techniques

Grind or chop the peanuts into a fine powder.

- Cook the mixture on high heat initially, then reduce to medium heat to simmer and thicken the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond or cashew butter as a substitute for peanuts for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute sweet potato leaves with collard greens or Swiss chard.

Make Ahead Tips

Ifisashi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ifisashi in a large bowl with a side of nshima or rice. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Ifisashi pairs well with a cold glass of traditional Zambian maheu or a refreshing fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Ifisashi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 15g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Ifisashi is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium, thanks to the combination of sweet potato leaves, tomatoes, and peanuts.

Alergens

Allergens: Peanuts

Summary

Ifisashi is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ifisashi is a delicious and nutritious Zambian dish made with peanuts, sweet potato leaves, and a variety of other ingredients. This flavorful and hearty dish is a staple in Zambian cuisine and is enjoyed by many for its rich and satisfying flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Zambia. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me to help her prepare a special meal for our family. As we worked together in the kitchen, she began to tell me the story of how she had learned to make a dish called Ifisashi.

She explained that Ifisashi was a traditional Zambian dish made with groundnuts and vegetables, cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations in our family, and my grandmother was determined to teach me how to make it just as her mother had taught her.

She told me that the key to making a delicious Ifisashi was in the preparation of the groundnuts. They had to be roasted and ground to a fine powder, which would then be mixed with water to form a thick paste. This paste would be the base for the sauce that would be cooked with the vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying dish.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother showed me how to roast the groundnuts over an open fire, the flames dancing and the smoke filling the air with a nutty aroma. She then taught me how to grind the roasted nuts into a fine powder, using a heavy pestle and mortar to crush them into submission.

Next, she showed me how to mix the groundnut powder with water, stirring until it formed a smooth and creamy paste. This paste would be the foundation of the Ifisashi sauce, providing a rich and nutty flavor that would complement the vegetables perfectly.

Once the paste was ready, my grandmother added it to a pot filled with a medley of vegetables – spinach, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. She seasoned the dish with salt, pepper, and a dash of chili powder, stirring everything together until the sauce was thick and fragrant.

As the Ifisashi simmered on the stove, the aroma filled the kitchen, drawing in the rest of the family who eagerly awaited the meal. My grandmother smiled as she watched me stir the pot, her eyes twinkling with pride at the thought of passing down this cherished recipe to another generation.

Finally, the Ifisashi was ready to be served. My grandmother spooned generous helpings onto our plates, the vibrant colors of the vegetables contrasting beautifully with the creamy sauce. We sat down to eat, savoring each delicious bite as we shared stories and laughter around the table.

That day, I learned more than just a recipe – I learned the importance of tradition, family, and the joy of cooking for others. The memory of that first taste of Ifisashi has stayed with me throughout the years, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have. I hope that they will remember the stories of their ancestors, the flavors of their heritage, and the joy of sharing a meal with those they love. And most of all, I hope that they will always remember the day that their grandmother taught them how to make Ifisashi, a dish that will forever hold a special place in their hearts.