Finnish-style Spinach Stew

Ingredients

In this Finnish adaptation, the traditional Tanzanian Mchicha is transformed into a creamy and herb-infused spinach stew. The Finnish version incorporates local ingredients and flavors, such as dill and nutmeg, to enhance the taste profile. The original dish often includes coconut milk, which is replaced with a light vegetable broth in the Finnish-style version. Additionally, the Finnish-style Spinach Stew is typically served with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for added richness. We alse have the original recipe for Mchicha, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving Sour cream or crème fraîche, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the spinach leaves to the pot and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. 5.
   Stir in the dried dill and ground nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the stew until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Return the pot to the stove and heat the stew gently until warmed through.
8. 8.
   Serve the Finnish-style Spinach Stew hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit before cooking.
• Dill — If fresh dill is available, feel free to use it instead of dried dill for a more vibrant flavor.
• Nutmeg — Grate fresh nutmeg for the best flavor. If using pre-ground nutmeg, make sure it is not too old as it can lose its potency.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the stew before serving.
• Serve the Finnish-style Spinach Stew with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes for a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the stew according to your preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• To make the stew more filling, add cooked chickpeas or white beans during the simmering stage.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish-style Spinach Stew in deep bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. Accompany it with a slice of freshly baked Finnish rye bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of dried dill or a few fresh dill sprigs on top of the stew. The vibrant green color of the spinach stew will be beautifully complemented by the delicate green hues of the dill.