Description
Ghanaian Spinach Stew is a vibrant, quick, and spicy vegan dish bursting with fresh and bold flavors. This hearty stew combines fresh spinach, smoky paprika, and fiery habanero chillies in a rich tomato base, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. It's easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and pairs beautifully with rice or baked plantains.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (can substitute with frozen spinach)
- 3 cups Plum Tomatoes (canned can be used for convenience)
- 2 whole Habanero Chillies (substitute with Scotch bonnet or red bell peppers for milder heat)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 1 medium Onion, sliced
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt to taste
- A drizzle of oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop fresh spinach, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, slice the onion, and chop the habanero chillies. Keeping ingredients ready will help streamline cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, and chopped habanero chillies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions become translucent.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. This step enhances the tomato paste's flavor, deepening the stew's base.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Add smoked paprika and chopped plum tomatoes including their juices. Season with salt to taste. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in chopped spinach, cover the pan again, and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and its color brightens.
- Serve: Serve the Ghanaian Spinach Stew warm, ideally alongside rice or baked plantains for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a milder stew, substitute habanero chillies with red bell peppers or Scotch bonnet peppers with less heat.
- Using canned plum tomatoes saves time and still delivers rich flavor.
- Frozen spinach can be used if fresh is unavailable, just drain excess water before adding.
- Adjust seasoning with salt according to taste preference.
- This stew keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Ghanaian
