Stewed Lenga Lenga

Two Black women sit at a picnic table outside with takeout containers of food, other people sitting behind them.

Lenga lenga is a leafy green and common vegetable grown in Central and Eastern Africa. It can be grown in a garden and incorporated into stews or eaten as a side dish. This recipe comes from Imelde Nduwimana who came to Canada ten years ago from Burundi after living in a refugee camp in Tanzania for over 20 years. Imelde grows her own vegetables such as lenga lenga and squash in a community garden with Common Roots Urban Farm, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

Imelde Nduwimama (bottom right) enjoys a meal with fellow community gardeners. Courtesy of Common Roots Urban Farm.

  1. Step 1: Prepare the lenga lenga
    Wash the lenga lenga leaves thoroughly and chop them into small pieces. Boil the leaves in water until they soften and the water reduces. Drain out the excess water and set the leaves aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook the base
    In a large pan or pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until soft and golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped green pepper, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add tomatoes and turmeric
    After the garlic has cooked, add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook down until they become soft and release their juices. Stir in the organic turmeric powder at this stage, allowing it to infuse the dish with its warm flavour and vibrant colour.
  4. Step 4: Cook the meat or fish (optional)
    If you’re using meat (beef) or fish, add it to the pan and cook until browned or fully cooked. Season with salt and optional pima powder if you’d like a bit of heat.
  5. Step 5: Combine the lenga lenga
    Add the prepared lenga lenga leaves to the pan and stir well. If you’re using peanut powder, sprinkle it in now to add richness and enhance the flavour.
  6. Step 6: Simmer and adjust seasoning
    Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to blend the flavours. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pima powder as needed. The lenga lenga should be tender and flavourful.
  7. Step 7: Serve and enjoy
    Serve your delicious lenga lenga hot with rice, ugali, or your preferred side dish. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • Lenga lenga (or any leafy vegetable on hand)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Oil (for frying)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Green pepper (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Optional: Meat (beef or fish) or both
  • Peanut powder (optional)
  • Pima powder (paprika for spice)
  • Tomatoes (chopped)
  • Organic turmeric powder (optional, for flavor and color)