Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (2024)

. Modified: by Kate Hahnel

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Collard greens are tenderly cooked with tomatoes and onion in this flavorful sukuma wiki or African greens recipe. This dish is healthy, economical, and very easy to prepare.

Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (1)

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I am happy to share with you my family's delicious vegetarian Sukuma Wiki recipe, just like my mother and my grandmother before her; used to make it. While we are at Kenyan cooking, I definitely recommend that you start with this collection of 20-plus Kenyan food recipes that you certainly have to try!

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  • how to make Sukuma Wiki
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  • 📖 Recipe

The name sukuma wiki is a Swahili word that literally means to ''push the week'' or ''stretch the week'' in English. The name draws back its roots to the affordability of the dish. Back in the day, the common folk in Kenya could afford to stretch the little pennies earned throughout the week and feed their families with this affordable vegetable.

It is a common and popular staple dish in East African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Congo, that is normally served with ugali (a type of firm dough made from mixing maize flour and hot water).

ingredients

This traditional East African recipe uses just 4 simple ingredients. This is a basic vegan and vegetarian method (see the recipe variations segment below for other ways to make this dish).

Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (2)
  • Sukuma Wiki (collard greens) leaves - make sure to clean the leaves properly.
  • Other vegetables - use any sort of fleshy, medium-sized ripe red tomatoes and one onion.
  • Cooking oil - use any type of vegetable cooking oil with a high smoking point.
  • Salt to taste.

how to make Sukuma Wiki

This is a summary, you will find the full details in the recipe card provided below. A recipe video has also been provided in the recipe card, for those who prefer a more visual step-by-step breakdown.

Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (3)
Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (4)
  1. Prepare the vegetables: wash the sukuma wiki leaves and tomatoes. Peel and slice the onion, tomatoes, and sukuma wiki.
  1. Fry the onion and tomatoes: heat oil in a pan. Fry the onion until golden brown, then stir in the tomatoes and allow them to cook until softened.
  2. Once the tomatoes are cooked through, add the sukuma wiki leaves and some salt. Cover and allow to cook until done.
  1. Season: add more salt (or some pepper if preferred). Note, however, that adding pepper is not an authentic way of making this dish, but do not let that stop you from being creative in the kitchen.
  2. Serve sukumawiki with kachumbari, ugali, nyama choma, pili pili sauce, or some Kenyan beef stew. For a low-carb alternative, serve it with low-carb fufu, cauliflower rice, or cauliflower mashed potatoes.

useful tips

  • Make sure to properly clean your leaves- collard greens are notorious for hiding dirt so make sure to properly clean the leaves. I like to soak them in a basin of water, then rub the leaves against each other to get rid of dirt.
  • Do not overcook - cooking for just a few minutes works best. Normally, 5-7 minutes is a sweet spot, plus you get the most benefits when you cook it this way. The time will however depend on how tough your leaves are. You may need to cook tougher and older leaves longer, to enable them to thoroughly soften up.
  • Do not add water - your dish will end up soupy and not taste good.
  • Having problems with tough sukumawiki leaves? Add some spinach leaves. This will make it less tough. Spinach also works well to reduce the bitter taste in kale and collards.
  • Seasoning - you can also use your favorite seasonings such as stock cubes, black pepper, or curry powder. Feel free to experiment.
Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (5)

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📖 Recipe

Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (10)

Authentic Kenyan Sukuma Wiki Recipe

Kate Hahnel

Authentic Kenyan Sukuma Wiki Recipe - delicious and healthy braised vegetarian Collard Greens Recipe with tomatoes and onion.

5 from 11 votes

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine East African, Kenyan

Servings 3

Calories 251 kcal

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch sukuma wiki (collard greens) leaves (about 11/2 pounds or 700 grams)
  • 2 medium-sized red tomatoes
  • ½ small onion (white or red)
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
  • salt to taste (you can also add some pepper but this is absolutely optional)

Instructions

  • Wash the collard greens then use a knife to chop off the stems. You can also use your hands to separate the leaves from the stems. Discard the stems (you only require the leaves).

    Grab a bunch of leaves with your hand, roll them up together then hold them firmly on top of a chopping board. Use a knife to chop or slice into ribbons. The cutting size will depend on your preference.

  • Wash the tomatoes, peel and slice the onion and chop the tomatoes.

  • Next,heat your cooking poton the stovetop set it to heat under medium heat. Next, add in the olive oil and allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes.

  • Frytheonionuntil golden brown. Next, add the tomatoes and allow them to cook. The tomatoes should be totally soft. You can add a tablespoon or two of oil, if the tomatoes are sticking to the pot.

  • Once the tomatoes are totally cooked through,add the sukuma wiki leaves and some salt.Cover and allow it to reduce for about one minute then stir. Cover again and allow to cook for a further 5 minutes. You can cook it longer, if you do not like your vegetables crunchy.

  • Seasonwith more salt or some pepper (if preffered).

  • Remove from the heat andservewith ugali. For alow carb or paleo option, serve sukuma wiki withlow carb fufu.

SUKUMA WIKI AND SPINACH RECIPE

  • Wash the vegetables. Peel and slice the onion and chop the tomatoes. Next,heat your cooking poton the stovetop and allow it to heat, under medium heat. Add the olive oil and heat for approximately 1-2 minutes.

  • Frytheonionuntil golden brown and stir in the tomatoes then allow them to cook. The tomatoes should be totally soft. Add a tablespoon or two of oil, if the tomatoes are sticking to the pot.

  • Once the tomatoes are totally cooked through,add the sukuma wiki leaves and the salt.Cover and allow the to reduce for about one minute then stir. Cover again and allow to cook for a further 5 minutes. Cook it longer, if you do not prefer your vegetables crunchy.

  • Uncover the pot and add the spinach leaves. Stir and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes (cook longer if you prefer, but not longer than 5 minutes).

  • Seasonwith more salt if required then serve.

Notes

  • Do not overcook - braising the sukuma wiki (collard green leaves) for just a few minutes works best. Normally, 5-7 minutes is a sweet spot. The time will, however, depend on how tough your leaves are. You may need to cook tougher and older leaves longer, to enable them to thoroughly soften up.
  • Do not add water - your dish will end up soupy and not taste good.
  • Have problems with tough leaves? Add some spinach leaves. This will make it less tough. Spinach also works well to reduce the bitter taste of kale.
  • Seasoning - you can also use your favorite seasonings such as stock cubes, black pepper, or curry powder. Feel free to experiment.
  • Recipe variations - add carrots, or some spinach, or even cook your sukuma wiki with meat, if preferred.
  • Storage - the good news, is that sukuma wiki can perfectly be made ahead and stored in the fridge and freezer. Whole and uncut leaves will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store your sliced African greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Freeze in suitable airtight containers for up to 6 months. Pro tip: Always slice or cut your leaves first before freezing. That way, the collard greens will still retain their taste and texture upon thawing and cooking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 18.8gProtein: 7.9gFat: 18.2gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.1gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 39.9mgPotassium: 719.7mgFiber: 11.8gSugar: 2.9gVitamin A: 5128IUVitamin C: 96mgCalcium: 694.2mgIron: 1.422mg

    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a rating by clicking on the stars above on this recipe card.or simply PIN on Pinterest for later!!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jazz

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (14)
      This was the perfect side dish! I added extra carrots because we all love them and it was a hit.

    2. Tamara

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (15)
      This was the perfect recipe to adapt to my keto diet. Super flavorful, and I'm thankful for your backstory on the dish.

    3. Mila

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (16)
      This dish is delicious, but also so flexible. I really enjoyed it for my first time making it.

    4. Chenée Lewis

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (17)
      This was so easy to make and delicious! A quick keto side dish that's perfect for weeknight meals!

    5. Robin

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (18)
      I'm looking forward to trying a new way to prepare collard greens. Thanks!

      • Marta

        Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (19)
        I love that I have another way to enjoy collard greens. These had just the right amount of flavor.

    6. Eric & Shanna Jones

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (20)
      This tasted great! And the health benefits are a huge plus so thanks for sharing that. We served this with fish and will make it again.

      • Britney

        Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (21)
        I love how tasty this recipe is and so simple to make! I’ve never made collard greens in this way and I’m so happy that I gave this a try! I will definitely be making this again!

    7. AdriRuff

      Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (22)
      I eat keto most of the time and I absolutely love collard greens. This was a very new way (for me) of incorporated them into my diet. Delicious!

    Sukuma Wiki Recipe + Video (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the difference between kale and sukuma wiki? ›

    Many people always confusing 'sukuma wiki' with kales. Kales or leaf cabbages looks closer to wild cabbages the only difference is that central leaves don't form a 'head' they are green or purple. The correct translation of 'sukuma wiki' is collard greens.

    What makes sukuma wiki bitter? ›

    While many recipes call for cooking the greens in onions, Moju prefers to leave them out because they can make the greens too bitter if cooked too fast; too sweet if cooked too long. Instead, chopped tomatoes, ginger and garlic flavor the finely shredded greens.

    What is the English name for sukuma wiki greens? ›

    Sukuma wiki

    Chepkilumnda (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is called sukuma wiki in Swahili or collard greens in English. This variety grows up to one meter in height and has light green, palm shaped leaves.

    How is sukuma wiki prepared? ›

    Sukuma wiki is mainly lightly sauteed in oil until tender, flavored with onions and seasoned with salt, which can be served either as the main accompaniment or as a side dish with preferred meat (fish, chicken, beef, pork).

    Which is more bitter spinach or kale? ›

    As far as taste, kale can tend to be more bitter than spinach, but also holds its shape better in cooking.

    What are the benefits of eating sukuma wiki? ›

    The fiber in 'Sukuma wiki' not only aids in digestion and cholesterol-lowering, but also keeps the liver healthy and maintains ideal blood sugar hence aiding in weight loss or rather weight maintenance. Kales contain high calcium level hence vital in bone formation and strengthening.

    What are the side effects of sukuma wiki? ›

    You may also experience gastrointestinal distress from. excessive consumption of sukuma wiki. Many Kenyans love the delicacy and it is popular, es...

    Is sukuma wiki acidic or alkaline? ›

    While the stomach is acidic, sukuma are naturally alkaline and thereby help reduce the acidity levels in the stomach. That is why sukuma wiki is a great addition in your green smoothies.

    What is kale called in Kenya? ›

    Kenyan Kale and Tomatoes (Sukuma Wiki) - Together Women Rise. “Sukuma Wiki” is a Swahili phrase roughly translated as “stretch the week,” meaning that when the larder is low or when meat is scarce, you can always scrounge up some greens and make this simple braise.

    Is sukuma wiki healthy? ›

    ''Sukuma Wiki' contains high amounts of Vitamin A which strengthens the eye and boosts night vision. It also contains vitamin C which is vital for the body cells repair and skin smoothening. 'Sukuma wiki' is a fibrous food. It contains fibers which aid in digestion and lowers the cholesterol levels in the body.

    Does sukuma wiki cause heartburn? ›

    If you notice a type of food causes heartburn, avoid it. Such foods include: fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, sukuma wiki, sweet potatoes, beans, coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas and alcohol.

    How much is a bag of sukuma wiki in Kenya? ›

    KES 30.00(Inc. VAT)

    What is the staple food of sukuma? ›

    The Sukuma have a mixed economy based largely on subsistence agriculture, though many also keep cattle. Millet, sorghum, and corn (maize) are the staple crops; cotton was added as a cash crop in recent times.

    How to cook tasty sukumawiki? ›

    Cooking Instructions
    1. Wash the sukuma wiki and cut into thin shreds and put aside.
    2. Heat the cooking pan and add oil, then add onions and cook until golden brown. ...
    3. Then add sukuma wiki and curry powder then stir again to mix and cover for 5 minutes.
    4. Remove from heat and serve with Ugali.
    Apr 14, 2017

    Why is it called sukuma wiki? ›

    “Sukuma Wiki” is a Swahili phrase roughly translated as “stretch the week,” meaning that when the larder is low or when meat is scarce, you can always scrounge up some greens and make this simple braise. You'll often find this paired with “Ugali” or cornmeal mush.

    Which kale is healthiest? ›

    Turns out purple kale is even better than the green variety because it contains anthocyanins which are responsible for the purple colour (the same nutrient that blueberries and cranberries contain), which have even more powerful antioxidant properties.

    What is the English name for kale vegetable? ›

    Kale is a vegetable with green or purple leaves. It is also called borecole. It is in the group of vegetables called Brassica oleracea or wild cabbage. It is cruciferous because of the shape of its flowers.

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