Page 66 - Through the eyes of an African chef

THROUGH THE EYES OF AN AFRICAN CHEF
Isigwamba – Greens, such as blackjack, imbuya and spinach, thickened with insima (pap)
INGREDIENTS
21⁄2 cups stock or water
1 cup maize meal plus 1⁄2 cup to thicken
1 small onion, chopped 300g uqadolo (blackjack)
2 handfuls of amakhasi ka bhatata (sweet potato leaves) or any greens of your choice
1 bunch imbuya
Salt and pepper to taste
When women foraged edible greens, such as uqadolo, imbuya, imifino and yezintanga, they would devise numerous original dishes that were mostly vegetarian or contained very little meat. Meat was not an everyday staple in most African cultures at the time.
I have used stock instead of water because the juices from the cooked meat were always added into the meal, or drunk for the nutrients. For a strictly vegetarian version of the meal, meat stock can be replaced with vegetable stock.
Also bear in mind that the quality of maize meal differs from one brand or supplier to the next, so slightly different quantities from the ones indicated here may be needed during cooking to thicken your pap. Use your discretion and adjust quantities as needed.
INSTRUCTIONS
For insima: In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of stock to the boil. Lower the heat then pour 1 cup of maize meal in the centre and close the lid. Let it simmer for about 6 minutes.
Using a wooden spoon handle, give it a good stir, making sure you mix well. Stir in the rest of the maize and smooth out all lumps. The consistency must be stiff, unlike porridge (add more maize meal if necessary). Let cook for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, start cooking the greens.
For the greens: In a separate pot and on a low heat, cook the onion and greens in 1⁄2 cup of stock for 5 minutes. Pour the greens and stock into the cooking pap while stirring with a wooden spoon. Season to taste. Cook for a further 10–15 minutes.
TO SERVE
Can be eaten on its own or with meat of your choice.
SERVES 2 PREPARATION TIME 5 MINS COOKING TIME 40–45 MINS
64 MAINS AND SIDE DISHES [ chapter two ]