Muriwo Unedovi

About This Recipe

Muriwo Unedovi (greens with peanut butter) is one of Zimbabwe's most cherished vegetable dishes, traditionally made from young pumpkin leaves though collard greens, kale, or any robust leafy green works beautifully. Peanuts (groundnuts) have been cultivated in Zimbabwe for centuries and their rich, creamy butter lifts humble garden greens into something extraordinary. The dish is a staple relish served alongside sadza at nearly every Zimbabwean meal, providing essential nutrients at minimal cost. It is also one of the few traditionally plant-based dishes that forms a complete, satisfying meal in its own right.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 500 gpumpkin leaves or collard greens, chopped
• 4 tbspnatural smooth peanut butter
• 1 mediumonion, diced
• 2 mediumtomatoes, diced
• 1 tspsalt
• 0.5 cupwater
• 1 tbspvegetable oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté onion and tomatoes

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add diced tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until they begin to collapse.

2. 2

   Add the greens

   Add chopped greens to the pan and stir to combine. Add water, season with salt, cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender.

3. 3

   Stir in peanut butter

   Reduce heat to low. Stir in peanut butter until evenly distributed and the sauce is creamy. Cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently.

4. 4

   Serve

   Taste and adjust salt. Serve as a relish alongside sadza.

Variations

• •

  Add dried mushrooms or dried kapenta for additional umami.

• •

  Use tahini instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

• •

  Include a finely chopped green chili for heat.

• •

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

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions