World Recipe: Matapa

03 Ago World Recipe: Matapa

Matapa is a traditional dish from Mozambique, especially popular along the coast. It’s made with cassava leaves, peanuts, and coconut milk, and is traditionally served with white rice. The recipe reflects both African and Portuguese culinary influences.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of chopped tender cassava leaves
  
• 1 cup of toasted and ground peanuts
  
• 1 cup of coconut milk
  
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  
• 1 onion
  
• Salt to taste
  

Preparation

• Boil the cassava leaves for 30 minutes to soften them.
• In another pot, sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
• Add the cooked cassava leaves, ground peanuts, and coconut milk.
• Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
• Add salt to taste and serve with rice or xima (a local type of polenta).