Sweet Potato Greens with Fish
Sweet Potato Greens with Fish Recipe from Cameroon
Introduction
Sweet potato greens are a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that is often overlooked in Western cuisine. In this recipe, we will be combining sweet potato greens with fish to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
History
Sweet potato greens have been a staple in African and Asian cuisine for centuries. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a popular choice for those looking to add more greens to their diet. Combining sweet potato greens with fish is a common practice in many cultures, as it adds protein and flavor to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 3 lb (1.36 kg) sweet potato greens
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 hot chile pepper, cleaned and chopped
- 1 piece of dried fish (such as cod or herring), soaked in water and washed
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 cup of dried shrimp or dried prawns
- salt and black pepper to taste
How to prepare
- Heat the oil in a large pot.
- Add the greens, onion, pepper, dried fish, tomato paste, and baking soda.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
Variations
- Substitute the prawns with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wash the sweet potato greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Adjust the amount of hot chile pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Use fresh prawns for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir the greens frequently while cooking to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet potato greens with fish over steamed rice or with a side of crusty bread.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-frying the greens helps to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use spinach or kale as a substitute for sweet potato greens if they are not available.
Make Ahead Tips
The dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
- Approximately 300 calories per serving
Carbohydrates
- Sweet potato greens: 5g per serving
- Onion: 10g per serving
- Tomato paste: 5g per serving
- Prawns: 2g per serving
Fats
- Cooking oil: 14g per serving
Proteins
- Prawns: 15g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Sweet potato greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
Alergens
Shellfish (prawns)
Summary
This dish is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to eat a balanced diet.
Summary
Sweet potato greens with fish is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a healthy option for any meal. Enjoy the unique flavors and textures of this dish as a main course or side dish.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It all started many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village by the sea. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our community, had invited me to help her prepare a special meal for a gathering of our family and friends.
As we worked together in her cozy kitchen, she shared with me the story behind the dish we were making - Sweet Potato Greens with Fish. She explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant relative who had traveled to a far-off land and learned it from the locals.
The key ingredient in this dish was the sweet potato greens, which were not commonly used in cooking in our region. My grandmother revealed that she had stumbled upon a vendor selling these unique greens at the market one day and had been inspired to create a dish that would highlight their delicious flavor.
To start, we heated a generous amount of oil in a large pan and added some sliced onions and garlic. The aroma of the sizzling vegetables filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Next, we added the sweet potato greens, which had been carefully washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. As they wilted in the pan, their vibrant green color turned a dark, rich shade, indicating that they were ready to be seasoned.
My grandmother sprinkled in a blend of spices, including turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which gave the dish a warm, earthy flavor. She then added chunks of fresh fish that had been caught that morning by the local fishermen. The fish sizzled and released a savory aroma that mingled with the spices, creating a tantalizing scent that filled the room.
As the dish simmered on the stove, my grandmother told me stories of her own childhood and how she had learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She explained that each recipe was a connection to our family's past, a way of preserving our traditions and passing them down to future generations.
Finally, after the fish had cooked through and the sweet potato greens had wilted to perfection, my grandmother spooned the dish onto a platter and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. The colors of the dish were vibrant and inviting, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
As we sat down to enjoy our creation with our family and friends, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to learn from my grandmother and carry on our family's culinary legacy. The Sweet Potato Greens with Fish was a delicious reminder of the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
To this day, whenever I make this recipe, I am transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of our shared culinary heritage. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart and one that I will continue to pass down to future generations, just as my grandmother did for me.
Categories
| Cameroonian Meat Dishes | Cameroonian Recipes | Cameroonian Salads | Cod Recipes | Fresh Chile Pepper Recipes | Herring Recipes | Shrimp Recipes | Sweet Potato Greens Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes |