
Recipe
Isombe with a Twist
Savory Spinach and Plantain Stew: A Flavorful Journey to Rwanda
4.5 out of 5
Isombe is a traditional Rwandan dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the region. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic by incorporating spinach and plantains, resulting in a hearty and nutritious stew.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Total time
45 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth2 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
- 1.Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- 2.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- 3.Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
- 4.Add the chopped spinach and sliced plantains to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- 5.Sprinkle in the paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed.
- 6.Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- 7.Allow the stew to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the plantains are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- 8.Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- 9.Serve the Isombe hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin and some black spots. They should be firm but not overly ripe for the best texture in the stew.
Tips & Tricks
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper.
- Serve the Isombe with steamed rice or ugali for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the stew before serving.
Serving advice
Isombe is best served hot, straight from the pot. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Presentation advice
Serve the Isombe in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant green color of the stew to shine through. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or ugali for a visually appealing presentation.