Ifisashi

About This Recipe

Ifisashi is one of Zambia's most beloved traditional dishes, combining ground peanuts with seasonal greens such as rape, pumpkin leaves, or sweet potato leaves to create a thick, protein-rich stew. The dish showcases Zambia's love for groundnuts, which are grown extensively across the country and feature in many traditional recipes. Ifisashi can be made vegetarian or enriched with chicken, beef, or dried fish. Its creamy, nutty flavour makes it a crowd favourite at family gatherings and community celebrations.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 cupraw peanuts, roasted and ground (or smooth peanut butter)
• 400 grape or spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 largeonion, diced
• 3 mediumtomatoes, chopped
• 2 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 tbspvegetable oil
• 1 cupwater or vegetable stock
• 1 tspsalt
• 0.5 tspblack pepper
• 0.5 tspchilli flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare peanut paste

   If using raw peanuts, dry-roast them in a pan until golden, then grind in a blender or mortar to a coarse paste. Set aside.

2. 2

   Fry aromatics

   Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and fry for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. 3

   Add tomatoes

   Add tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 8–10 minutes until they break down into a thick sauce.

4. 4

   Add peanuts

   Stir in the ground peanuts or peanut butter and mix well. Add water or stock and stir until smooth. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add greens

   Add the chopped greens and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until greens are tender.

6. 6

   Serve

   Serve hot alongside nshima or boiled rice.

Variations

• •

  Add chicken pieces in step 2 and cook through before adding tomatoes.

• •

  Use dried kapenta fish for an authentic Zambian flavour.

• •

  Stir in coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce.

• •

  Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions