Central Africa · Main
Matembele (Sweet Potato Leaf Stew with Peanut Sauce)
Silky sweet potato leaves braised in a savory, aromatic natural peanut paste sauce with garlic, tomatoes, and salted fish.
The story
Cherished throughout the Central and Western provinces of DR Congo, Matembele is a classic homestyle evening stew that exemplifies the Congolese mastery of indigenous leafy greens. Sweet potato greens are prized for their velvety texture when cooked down into a rich groundnut broth. Culinary tradition relies on balancing the slight mineral earthiness of young tender shoots with pure roasted peanut paste and umami-rich salted cod or smoked fish.
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