African Spinach

Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, African Spinach is a nutrient-packed dish that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a richly satisfying experience. This one-pan recipe features tender spinach simmered in a savory sauce of sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and red bell pepper, enhanced with aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder. A touch of ground crayfish or shrimp powder (optional) adds a delicious, umami depth, while a drizzle of palm oil brings authenticity to this classic dish, though vegetable oil can be used as an alternative. Ready in just 35 minutes, African Spinach is perfect as a hearty side or a flavorful main when paired with rice, fufu, or flatbread. Whether you're exploring African cuisine or seeking a healthy, flavorful meal, this dish is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh spinach
• 1 medium onion
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 2 medium fresh tomatoes
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish or shrimp powder (optional)
• 3 tablespoons palm oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground chili powder
• 120 milliliters vegetable stock or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly, chop roughly if needed, and set aside.

Step 2

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the tomatoes and red bell pepper.

Step 3

Heat the palm oil (or vegetable oil) in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the chopped tomatoes and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and form a sauce.

Step 7

If using, stir in the ground crayfish or shrimp powder for added flavor.

Step 8

Season the mixture with ground paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 9

Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 10

Add the spinach to the pan in batches, stirring to wilt the leaves before adding more.

Step 11

Once all the spinach has been added and wilted, cover the pan and let cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 12

Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat. Serve hot as a side dish or with rice, fufu, or flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1214.6 grams (1214.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	721

Total Fat 44.80g	57%
Saturated Fat 21.20g	106%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 56mg	19%
Sodium 3364mg	146%
Total Carbohydrate 57.30g	21%
Dietary Fiber 21.90g	78%
Total Sugars 18.70g
Protein 27.50g	55%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 660mg	51%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 1394mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.3%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 30.9%