Kenyan-style Stuffed Spinach Rolls

Ingredients

In the original Indonesian dish, Buntil, the rolls are typically filled with a mixture of grated coconut, spices, and sometimes shrimp or fish. However, in this Kenyan adaptation, we have replaced the coconut with ground beef to cater to the Kenyan preference for meat-based dishes. Additionally, we have incorporated Kenyan spices to infuse the rolls with the unique flavors of Kenyan cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Buntil, so you can check it out.

• 1 bunch of spinach leaves 1 bunch of spinach leaves
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• Cooking oil, for frying Cooking oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat some cooking oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
4. 4.
   Take a blanched spinach leaf and place a spoonful of the ground beef mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining spinach leaves and filling.
5. 5.
   Steam the stuffed spinach rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until the spinach leaves are tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. 6.
   Serve the Kenyan-style Stuffed Spinach Rolls hot as a main dish or as an appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach leaves briefly to retain their vibrant green color and tender texture.
• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• Serve the Kenyan-style Stuffed Spinach Rolls with a side of tomato chutney or a tangy yogurt sauce for added flavor.
• You can make the rolls ahead of time and steam them just before serving to save time.

Serving advice

Serve the Kenyan-style Stuffed Spinach Rolls as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kenyan-style Stuffed Spinach Rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley, to enhance their visual appeal.