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Ifisashi is one of Zambia’s most cherished dishes,hearty, rich, and full of tradition. It combines two essential ingredients found in many Zambian kitchens: groundnuts and leafy greens. Beyond its flavour, Ifisashi holds cultural value, passed down through generations as a symbol of warmth, home, and togetherness.
Typically, the dish features greens like pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, spinach, or even kale, gently simmered in a creamy sauce made from ground peanuts. This creates a smooth, earthy blend that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. While nshima is the classic companion, Ifisashi also pairs well with rice or boiled cassava, offering flexibility depending on what’s available.
How It’s Made
To prepare Ifisashi, ingredients such as roasted peanuts, chopped onions, tomatoes, greens, peanut oil, and water are used. The process begins by grinding the roasted peanuts into a smooth paste. This is added to boiling water along with onions and tomatoes, allowing the flavours to combine. Once the base is ready, the chopped greens are stirred in and simmered until the sauce thickens into a rich, flavorful consistency.
Some of the most common greens include: Pumpkin leaves, Sweet potato leaves, Mustard greens, Spinach, collard greens, Beet greens, Kale.
Whether served at a family gathering or prepared quietly on a weekday afternoon, it brings a sense of comfort that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. Its simplicity, depth, and cultural roots make it a true staple of Zambian cuisine.