Entree: Eswatini – Northern Culinary Region – Sidvudvu (Traditional Swazi pumpkin and peanut stew typically served with maize porridge)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 45 min

Additional 20 min

Total 1 hr 20 min

Ingredients

- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) grated fresh ginger
- 1 lb (450 g) pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked beef or stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes (optional for a meat version)
- 1 large tomato, chopped (about 6 oz (170 g))
- 1/2 cup (120 g) natural peanut butter (smooth or slightly textured)
- 2 cups (480 ml) water or light stock
- 4 cups (120 g) chopped leafy greens such as spinach or kale
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cumin
- 1 small fresh chili, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon or lime juice

Instructions

1. If using smoked or stewing beef, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining oil, then sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and chopped chili and cook 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the chopped tomato, ground coriander, and ground cumin; cook until tomatoes break down, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Return the browned beef to the pot if using, add the pumpkin cubes, and pour in the water or stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until pumpkin is tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, thin the peanut butter with a few tablespoons of hot stew liquid until smooth, then stir the peanut mixture into the pot. Simmer uncovered 5–8 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
6. Stir in the chopped greens and lemon or lime juice; cook until greens are wilted and tender, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot with stiff maize porridge (sishwala), rice, or thick steamed maize meal.