Malawian Squash

Malawian Squash Recipe: Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Malawi

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Malawian Squash is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash or sweet potatoes with the richness of peanut butter. This traditional Malawian recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Malawi, where squash and peanuts are staple ingredients in many dishes. The combination of flavors and textures in Malawian Squash reflects the country's rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients

1 small or 0.5 a medium butternut squash or two large sweet potatoes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
150 g peanut butter with no additives or salt
500 ml hot water
1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 1 cm chunks
1 fresh red chile (optional), deseeded and finely chopped or 1 tsp fresh chile paste
salt and pepper to taste

For the veggie

1 parmesan rind

For the meatie

1 chicken breast, cut into thin strips

How to prepare

Peel the butternut squash or sweet potato and set aside any squash seeds to roast.
Chop the flesh into 1 cm chunks.
Divide the squash, onion, and chile (or chile paste) equally between the two pans.
Do not fry the onion first as there is enough fat in the peanut butter.
Briskly stir the peanut butter into the hot water until all lumps are dissolved, then pour half into each pan.
Bring both pans to a boil and simmer for five minutes.
For the veggie pan, add the Parmesan rind and several grindings of black pepper.
For the meatie pan, add the chicken strips, several grindings of black pepper, and 0.5 tsp salt.
Bring both pans to a boil and simmer gently, without the lids, for 15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially as the liquid evaporates.
Be careful not to break up the squash chunks when stirring.
Five minutes before serving, divide the red pepper equally between the two pans and gently stir it in.
For the veggie pan, remove and discard the Parmesan rind.
Taste and adjust for salt, pepper, or chile.
If more peanut butter is needed, thin it with a little boiling water and carefully stir it in without breaking up the squash chunks.
While cooking, clean the squash seeds, toss them in hot oil and salt, and roast them in a hot oven for 5-10 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning. Serve with drinks.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the squash or sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

- Stir the peanut butter into hot water to dissolve any lumps before adding it to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of chile paste to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Malawian Squash with rice or bread for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty stew.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the dish gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the squash to cook through without falling apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have butternut squash or sweet potatoes, you can use pumpkin or carrots as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Malawian Squash with roasted squash seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve it in a bowl with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Malawian Squash with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the squash or sweet potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Malawian Squash is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Malawian Squash is a flavorful and nutritious dish that showcases the best of Malawian cuisine. With its rich combination of ingredients and warming spices, it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Malawian Squash. I was visiting a small village in Malawi, Africa, to learn about their traditional cooking methods and ingredients. It was a hot summer day, and the sun was beating down on the dusty streets as I walked through the market, taking in all the sights and sounds.

I came across a little stall where an elderly woman was selling an array of vibrant vegetables, fruits, and spices. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful orange squash she had on display. It looked so fresh and inviting, and I knew I had to buy some to incorporate into my cooking.

As I chatted with the woman, she told me that the squash was a staple in Malawian cuisine and shared with me her recipe for preparing it. She explained that the squash was typically cooked with a mixture of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of traditional Malawian spices. I was intrigued and asked if she could show me how to make it.

With a warm smile, she invited me to her humble home where she had a small outdoor kitchen set up. She showed me how to chop the squash into bite-sized pieces and prepare the other ingredients. As the savory aroma of the spices filled the air, I knew I was in for a treat.

We cooked the squash slowly over an open flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and comforting dish. The woman explained that this recipe was passed down through generations in her family, and it was a favorite among her children and grandchildren.

After the squash was cooked to perfection, we sat down to enjoy a meal together. The flavors were bold and bright, with a subtle sweetness from the squash that balanced out the savory spices. It was a truly unforgettable experience, and I knew I had to bring this recipe back home with me.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I recreated the Malawian Squash dish with the same care and attention to detail that the woman had shown me. I made it for my family, who were blown away by the exotic flavors and unique combination of ingredients. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I found myself making it regularly.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. I have made a few tweaks here and there, adding my own personal touch to the dish, but the core recipe remains the same as the one I learned from that kind-hearted woman in Malawi.

To this day, whenever I make Malawian Squash, I am transported back to that dusty village market, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of daily life in Malawi. The memories of that special day and the connection I made with the woman who shared her recipe with me will always hold a special place in my heart.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a taste of Malawi, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It's a true labor of love, passed down through generations and now shared with you. I hope it brings you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!