Mchicha East African Spinach

Dive into the vibrant flavors of East Africa with this Mchicha recipe, a comforting and nutritious spinach dish enriched with the creamy goodness of coconut milk. Packed with earthy turmeric, aromatic garlic, ginger, and the subtle heat of optional chili, this dish is a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. The sautéed onions and tomatoes create a rich base that infuses the spinach with layered flavors, while a hint of black pepper ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes, Mchicha is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly versatile—serve it as a wholesome side dish or pair it with steamed rice, soft chapati, or traditional ugali for a hearty vegetarian meal. Perfect for lovers of global cuisine, this authentic East African spinach recipe is a must-try for adding warmth and variety to your dinner table!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh spinach
• 1 medium (finely chopped) Onion
• 1 medium (diced) Tomato
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 1 teaspoon (freshly grated) Ginger
• 200 milliliters Coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 100 milliliters Water
• 1 small (finely chopped) Chili (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the spinach by washing thoroughly, removing any tough stems, and roughly chopping the leaves.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly golden.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chopped chili. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it soften and break down into a sauce-like consistency.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly with the tomato mixture.

Step 7

Add the chopped spinach to the pan. Pour in the water and cover the pan. Let the spinach cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Lower the heat and pour in the coconut milk. Stir to combine with the spinach. Simmer uncovered for another 4-5 minutes until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve the Mchicha warm as a side dish or as a main course with steamed rice, ugali, or chapati.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1134 grams (1134.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	564

Total Fat 27.80g	36%
Saturated Fat 4.30g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.90g
Cholesterol 2mg	1%
Sodium 4004mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate 67.20g	24%
Dietary Fiber 16.40g	59%
Total Sugars 31.60g
Protein 16.60g	33%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 560mg	43%
Iron 18mg	101%
Potassium 749mg	16%

*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: 42.7%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 45.9%