Sierra Leonean Mushroom Stew

Ingredients

While the original Böhmisches Schwammerlgulasch is a Czech dish that typically uses pork and paprika as the main ingredients, the Sierra Leonean Mushroom Stew replaces the pork with mushrooms to cater to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, the spices used in the Sierra Leonean version are influenced by the flavors commonly found in Sierra Leonean cuisine, giving it a unique and distinct taste. We alse have the original recipe for Böhmisches Schwammerlgulasch, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mushrooms, sliced 500g (1.1 lb) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cayenne pepper, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften.
6. 6.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Sierra Leonean Mushroom Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with rice or fufu.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing them. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris. Avoid washing them under running water as mushrooms tend to absorb water.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier stew, increase the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or green beans to the stew for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Sierra Leonean Mushroom Stew hot over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side of fufu. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Sierra Leonean Mushroom Stew, consider serving it in individual bowls and garnishing each portion with a sprig of fresh cilantro. You can also sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top for a pop of color.