Zimbabwean Sadza and Nyama Recipe

Zimbabwean Sadza and Nyama Recipe – A Classic African Meal.

Enjoy the rich and comforting taste of Sadza and Nyama, a traditional Zimbabwean meal made with maize meal porridge (Sadza) served alongside a hearty meat stew (Nyama) and leafy greens. This iconic dish is a staple in Zimbabwean cuisine and loved across Southern Africa.

A Staple Across Africa: The Many Names of Sadza

Sadza, a beloved staple in Zimbabwean cuisine, is a thickened cornmeal dish similar to polenta. It is widely eaten across Africa, where it goes by various names in different cultures:

• Southern Africa: Isitshwala (Ndebele), Nshima (Zambia), Pap (South Africa), Phaletšhe (Botswana)
• West Africa: Fufu (Nigeria, Sierra Leone), Tuozafi (T.Z.) (Ghana), Pâte (Togo, Benin), Foutou (Ivory Coast)
• East Africa: Ugali (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), Posho (Uganda), Bando (Soga, Uganda), Kimnyet (Kalenjin, Kenya)
• Central Africa: Bidia (DR Congo), Bugali (Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan)
• Nigeria Variations: Eko (Yoruba), Agidi (Igbo), Sakora (Nigeria)

This dish, known for its smooth, dense texture, is typically paired with flavourful stews, meats, and vegetables. In Zimbabwe, Nyama (beef stew) and Muboora (pumpkin leaves) are common accompaniments, making it a hearty and nutritious meal.

Recipe Overview (Quick Facts Section)

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Calories per Serving: 550 kcal
• Cooking Difficulty: Moderate
• Lifestyle Suitability & Specialty: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Traditional African Cuisine
• Countries Where the Meal is Popular: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, United Kingdom

Detailed Description:

Sadza and Nyama is the heart of Zimbabwean cuisine, enjoyed by families for lunch or dinner. Sadza, a thick maize meal porridge, is the perfect complement to Nyama, a rich and flavourful meat stew often prepared with beef, goat, or chicken. The dish is commonly served with leafy greens like collard greens (covo), kale, or pumpkin leaves (muboora) to balance its texture and taste.

This traditional meal is deeply ingrained in Zimbabwean culture, often shared at gatherings, celebrations, and even as a daily staple. The comforting taste of Sadza pairs beautifully with the well-seasoned and slow-cooked Nyama, making it an irresistible African dish.

For those looking to experience authentic Zimbabwean food, this recipe allows you to recreate a classic meal right in your kitchen!

Ingredients (Serving for 2 People)

✅ For the Sadza:
✔ 2 cups maize meal (Mealie Meal) → Shop Maize Meal
✔ 3 cups water

✅ For the Nyama (Meat Stew):
✔ 300g beef, goat, or chicken (cubed) → Shop Beef or Goat Meat
✔ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
✔ 1 onion, finely chopped
✔ 2 garlic cloves, minced
✔ 1 tomato, chopped
✔ 1 tsp curry powder
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ 1 cup beef or chicken broth
✔ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✔ 1 bay leaf

✅ For the Leafy Greens:
✔ 1 bunch of collard greens (Covo) or pumpkin leaves (Muboora) → Shop African Leafy Greens
✔ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
✔ 1 garlic clove, minced
✔ ½ tsp salt

Items NOT Included in Delivery:

You will need water, pumpkin leaves, which are not included in the recipe kit.

List of Utensils Required:

• 1 medium-sized pot for Sadza
• 1 large pot for the stew
• 1 frying pan for greens
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife

Nutritional Information (Per Serving & Per 100g):

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: In a pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Slowly add maize meal while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it forms a thick porridge (Sadza).

Step 2: In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil, then sauté onions and garlic until soft.

Step 3: Add beef, goat, or chicken and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices.

Step 4: Pour in broth and add a bay leaf. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: In another pan, heat oil, add garlic, then sauté leafy greens with salt for 3-5 minutes until wilted.

Step 6: Serve Sadza on a plate, add a generous portion of Nyama, and top with the sautéed greens.

Explore Related Categories & Subcategories

• Shop Zimbabwean Ingredients
• Shop African Flours
• Shop Cooking Oils

Similar Recipes (Cross-Sell Section):

• South African Pap & Chakalaka
• Nigerian Pounded Yam & Egusi Soup
• Ghanaian Banku & Tilapia

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