recipe.exchange

Isombe (Rwandan Cassava Leaves with Eggplant)

Isombe is a flavorful and nutritious dish from Rwanda. Made with tender cassava leaves and eggplant, this dish is often enjoyed as a main course and is typically served with Rwandan staple foods like ugali or steamed rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches of cassava leaves
  • 1 medium eggplant, diced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Remove the tough stems from the cassava leaves, and wash them thoroughly under running water. Chop the leaves into smaller pieces.
  2. 2
    In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. 3
    Add the diced eggplant to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
  4. 4
    Add the chopped cassava leaves and diced tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. 5
    Pour in the water and season with salt to taste. Stir again to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
  6. 6
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour, or until the cassava leaves are tender and cooked through.
  7. 7
    Stir occasionally during cooking, and add more water if necessary to prevent sticking and to achieve the desired consistency.
  8. 8
    Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or other spices according to your preference.
  9. 9
    Remove the pot from the heat and let the isombe rest for a few minutes before serving.