Authentic Saka Saka Recipe (Congolese Cassava Leaf Soup)
Saka Saka is a simple but unique dish that brings together the finest ingredients from Central Africa. It is a rich blend of flavorful cassava leaves, creamy peanut butter, vegetables, and spices, carefully combined to create a delicious and unforgettable culinary experience.
Equipment
1 Large pan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cassava leaves
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons palm oil
- 1 medium-sized onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 green bell peppers roughly chopped
- 1 green onion chopped
- 2 small eggplants diced (optional)
- ½ pound spinach leaves
- ½ habanero pepper chopped
- 2 cups water
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish
- chopped peanuts
- spicy sauce
- Finely chopped parsley or green onion
Instructions
- To prepare Saka Saka, wash the fresh cassava leaves with clean water and chop or grind them into tiny pieces. If using frozen cassava leaves, soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes.
- Next, bring the chopped cassava leaves to a boil in a large pot with 2 cups of water and cook for 30 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat a large pan and add a drizzle of palm oil. Saute the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and vegetable broth. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the peanut butter to the pan, stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
- Once the cassava leaves are tender, add them to the pan with the palm oil and other ingredients.
- Add ½ cup of water and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- The neutral taste of the leaves absorbs the flavors of any spices, meats, and vegetables you add, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. But be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Finally, garnish your Saka Saka with chopped peanuts, spicy sauce, finely chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve hot with rice or fufu and plantains. Bon appetite!
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 192mgPotassium: 983mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 3125IUVitamin C: 67.7mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4.3mg