African Spinach
Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, African Spinach is a nutrient-packed dish that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a richly satisfying experience. This one-pan recipe features tender spinach simmered in a savory sauce of sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and red bell pepper, enhanced with aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder. A touch of ground crayfish or shrimp powder (optional) adds a delicious, umami depth, while a drizzle of palm oil brings authenticity to this classic dish, though vegetable oil can be used as an alternative. Ready in just 35 minutes, African Spinach is perfect as a hearty side or a flavorful main when paired with rice, fufu, or flatbread. Whether you're exploring African cuisine or seeking a healthy, flavorful meal, this dish is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish or shrimp powder (optional)
- 3 tablespoons palm oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons ground chili powder
- 120 milliliters vegetable stock or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly, chop roughly if needed, and set aside.
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the tomatoes and red bell pepper.
Heat the palm oil (or vegetable oil) in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and form a sauce.
If using, stir in the ground crayfish or shrimp powder for added flavor.
Season the mixture with ground paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Add the spinach to the pan in batches, stirring to wilt the leaves before adding more.
Once all the spinach has been added and wilted, cover the pan and let cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat. Serve hot as a side dish or with rice, fufu, or flatbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
721 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.8 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.2 g | 106% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 3364 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.3 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.9 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.7 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 660 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 1394 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
