COOKING WEST AFRICAN FOOD WITH MY MUM | PALAVA SAUCE (SPINACH SAUCE)

groundnut paste

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: peanut butter

Peanut butter is more widely available and affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Tofu offers a plant-based option while canned tuna is budget-friendly.

palm oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: collard greens

Kale provides similar nutrients, and collard greens are often less expensive.

Wash the spinach thoroughly and drain it.

Chop the spinach in a food processor until finely chopped, but not pureed.

Blend the onion in the food processor until fine.

Heat palm oil in a saucepan until hot.

Add chopped onions and garlic to the hot oil and allow to brown.

Add 0.5 cups of ground melon seeds (egusi) into the oil and onions.

Add about 1 teaspoon of chili powder for spice.

Gradually add 0.5 cups of water, adjusting as needed.

Add a vegetable stock cube for seasoning.

Incorporate the chopped spinach into the sauce.

Add salt to taste.

Prepare 3 plantains to serve with the sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens