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Saka-Saka (Cassava Leaf Stew)

Saka-saka is a popular West African dish that features tender cassava leaves cooked with a flavorful blend of spices and ingredients. This nutritious stew is commonly enjoyed in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds (about 1 kg) fresh cassava leaves
  • 2–3 tablespoons palm oil (substitute with vegetable oil if needed)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4–5 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (about 500 g) meat (e.g. chicken, beef, or goat), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1–2 fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 1–2 Scotch bonnet chile peppers (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon ground crayfish (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
  • 1 African smoked fish (tilapia or mackerel), deboned and flaked
  • 1–2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Wash the cassava leaves thoroughly in a bowl of water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Using a blender or food processor, blend the cassava leaves until they are finely chopped. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Heat the palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. 4
    Add the meat to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides.
  5. 5
    Add the diced tomatoes, Scotch bonnet peppers, ground crayfish, and dried shrimp to the pot. Stir well to combine, then allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  6. 6
    Add the blended cassava leaves to the pot, along with the flaked smoked fish. Stir everything together to ensure the leaves are well coated with the flavors.
  7. 7
    Pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the mixture. If you prefer a thicker stew, add less broth.
  8. 8
    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1–2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  9. 9
    After the stew has simmered and the flavors have melded together, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  10. 10
    Serve hot with a side of cooked rice, fufu, or plantains. Enjoy!
Category
Soups
Cuisine
African