Sukuma Wiki- A healthy and economical braised collard greens full of flavor and Spice . Collard greens done right! Vegan or not!
Eating kale week after week can become a bit of a drag if you are trying to consume more greens, so I’m happy to share this recipe of another kind of green – Sukuma Wiki aka braised collard greens-African Style
Sukuma wiki is a very rustic African dish, enjoyed in many parts of East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania- just to name a few. It is a Swahili phrase meaning, “to stretch the week” especially when paired Ugali (cornmeal fufu).
So many people speak of kale as THE super greens and the foodie world is smitten with kale; it’s now featured in everything from main dish to snacks. What the world doesn’t talk much about is Collard Greens.
Do you know collard greens are right up there with kale? These powerful greens provide an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K calcium and are quite tasty too! Some side-by-side comparisons even give collard greens a slight edge. Just something to think about when you are in the supermarket
Other than adding to stews, sides and one pot meals this is one the way I like to eat collard greens-especially those times when am watching my waistline and trying to eat healthy. Like me, I am trying ….
This tasty African greens can be made totally vegan or cooked with just a few ingredients or you can take it over the top with protein and spices. So you know, I did go over the top, adding protein, garlic and a variety of bold spices- coriander, curry, garlic and cayenne pepper for some heat. You may add or subtract any spice for personal preference.
Most people love cooking their greens for a prolonged amount of time – not me. 7- 10 minutes, tops for me.
Enjoy!
Sukuma Wiki
Ingredients
- 1 kale bunch or collard greens
- 1-2 cups chopped or ground beef/chicken optional
- 3 medium tomatoes diced
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 large white onion
- 2 or more tablespoons canola or cooking oil
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon curry or turmeric spice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or more
- ½ juiced Lemon about 1 tablespoon
- Tablespoon bouillon powder or cube
Instructions
- In a medium- large skillet, add oil, onions, and garlic, and sauté, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent any burns.
- Then add, tomatoes , curry, coriander and paprika, and continue stirring with a heavy wooden spoon, about 2 minutes.
- Add minced meat, bouillon powder; stir until ingredients have been thoroughly combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes or more. Throw in chopped collards, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until flavors have blend and greens are cooked, according to preference. Adjust seasonings –Salt and pepper, turn off the heat.
- Remove from the heat and let it cool. SERVE WITH UGALI.
Nutrition Information:
brenda neil says
Lovely recipe
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Brenda! Don’t forget to try my new Chocolate Mousse for dessert 😉
Juliet Kariuki says
This recipe has just the right amount of flavor! I have been wanting to spice up this dish for a while. Coming from a traditional Kenyan background, it’s only natural that we prepare this dish regularly. I enjoyed all of the spices used and wanted to say thank you for sharing. This will be my go to recipe when I prepare Nyeni in the future. Thanks again.
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you for your comment, Juliet! I hope you can also try my other Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes in Under 30 Minutes. Enjoy!
Juliet Kariuki says
This recipe has just the right amount of flavor!
Thureya says
i went to visit my uncle in tanzania last year and this is my favourite meal of all time!! its hard to get collard greens here in the UK so im really happy with this recipe as now i can make it at home here
Immaculate Bites says
Glad you enjoyed this, Thureya! 🙂
Carrie says
My fellow is Tanzanian, been here 20 years, he loved it, and I had never even eaten greens before, let alone made them. Thanks for the recipe!
Immaculate Bites says
Thank you, Carrie! 🙂
Lena says
I grew up on ugali na sukuma wiki! Thank you for bringing back the memories x
Immaculate Bites says
Aww
Neve says
This recipe is great, but the original recipe doesn’t require the extra spices, lemon juice and garlic. Tomatoes, onions and Bouillon cubes will do 🙂
-A Kenyan
Melinda says
Very excited to find your site and this recipe! I exchange letters with a young woman from Kenya. Our lives are very different and it can be difficult to find common ground. Recently she wrote in one of her letters about her garden and making this dish for her family. I am now going to make this dish and it can be something we share! Thank you so very much!
ImmaculateBites says
So happy to be of help . Happy Cooking!!
Michael Prince says
I love Collard greens,so when I saw your recipe I new I had to try it. One of the best things that I’ve ever eaten I could have this 3 times a week. Thank You.
ImmaculateBites says
Yay. So happy to hear it is a hit.
Kandy says
I cooked this meal and it actually came out better than I thought. I used beef and it was delicious. Thank you. I put the lemon juice in last, and it seem to tie everything together.
ImmaculateBites says
Fantastic! I am so glad this turned out great for you, Kandy :)!
Zack says
Just made this tonight w/out the meat. Really outstanding flavor and so good with the Ugali! Will
be enjoying the leftovers for lunch this week. Without the meat I had to add a little water w the kale so things would braise well. Thanks for posting such a great recipe!
Maryland Girl says
I tried this today and it was delicious! It had a little more heat to it than I was expecting. Next time I think I’ll use half the amount of cayenne pepper. But it’s still amazing as is. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for trying it out and taking the time to let me know. Glad you like it!
Priscilla.Kosi says
Hi Emma
I just love all your recipes.
So good.
Keep up the good work.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Nick says
I tried your recipe a while ago (and loved it), but I’m a bit confused. In the ingredients list it says kale. Was that a typo or do you use kale sometimes?
imma africanbites says
Hi Nick, Sorry for the confusion. You can use either kale or collard greens or a combination of both. Recipe updated. Thank you! 🙂
Mike Czyzewski says
This is really tasty! Thanks for the recipe!
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Glad to hear it worked for you mike.