Author: Imma Course: Main Cuisine: African
Published July 30, 2014
Updated: May 21, 2021 Source: African Bites
Photo / Image Source: Unsplash,
Njama Njama and FuFu – popular green vegetable in Cameroon, especially in the North West Region and to a lesser extent in Nigeria and Kenya, seasoned with paprika, cayenne and a little kick from the habanero pepper. Paired with fufu corn for a complete satisfying meal.
Hey guys, let me tell you this, you know how some people eagerly wait for summer for the produce, vacations and warm weather.
Njama Njama (that’s how it is referred to in Cameroon) is one of the most popular vegetables in Cameroon especially in the Northwest Region and to a lesser extent in Nigeria and Kenya- sometimes referred to as African nightshade and huckleberry. Its scientific name is Solanum scabrum.
Here, in the United States, Huckleberry leaves are seasonal, they blossom this time of the year. So now is the best time to enjoy or get your hands on it. A good place to start would be the farmers market, ask the Asian farmers they sometimes do carry it.
Your best bet would be to grow it – it is highly nutritious, and you can eat the stems and leaves too. They have a pleasant flavor and slightly bitter to taste. One farmer, in the farmers market mentioned that they drink the water from the boiled leaves for medicinal purposes in East and South East Asia.
There are several ways of making this vegetable stew- all you need is a few ingredients; onion, tomatoes, oil, and bouillon cubes (powder). If you want to make it more fancy you can add crayfish, smoked chicken, more seasonings or even egusi. I made it very simple without all the other embellishments because that is how hubby likes it – rustic.
This exotic African stir fry is usually paired with fufu corn (polenta) or some would refer to it as ugali a really bland yet filling starchy accompaniment to the vegetable. I included my version of making fu fu corn – there are several ways of making it. Let me know if there is a better alternative (this is my weakness). Enjoy! Njama Njama and FuFu Njama Njama and FuFu - popular green vegetable in Cameroon, especially in the North West Region and to a lesser extent in Nigeria and Kenya, seasoned with paprika, cayenne and a little kick from the habanero pepper. Paired with fufu corn for a complete satisfying meal. Prep:20 mins Cook: 30 mins Total: 50 mins African SERVINGS 4 -5
Ingredients Njama Njama
▢ 1 medium onion sliced
▢ 5-6 fresh tomatoes chopped
▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
▢ 5 pounds Nightshade kale, water crest or 3 pounds frozen kale or spinach.
▢ ½ -1 cup canola oil palm oil
▢ Salt and pepper to taste
▢ 1- teaspoon paprika
▢ ½ pound chopped smoked turkey/fish
▢ 1- teaspoon paprika optional
▢ 1- tablespoon bouillon powder or Maggie cube optional
▢ 1-2 scotch bonnet or habanera pepper
Fufu Corn ▢ 1 pound finely ground corn flour
▢ 4-5 cups water.
▢ 2 teaspoon salt optional
Instructions Njama Njama
Blanche vegetables in hot water for until wilted – about 2-3 minutes. Remove and place in cold water to prevent the leaves from cooking further. Drain and squeeze out water from the vegetables. Set aside
Heat palm oil or canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot.
Add onions, lightly sauté onions until it is wilted about 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper and bouillon, continue cooking
Scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. You may add these optional ingredients now, paprika, smoked turkey, cray fish or smoked fish and proceed with cooking, occasionally stirring for about 10 minutes.
Finally add vegetable , cook for about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasonings and turn off the heat.
Salt lightly
Fufu Corn
Add about 4 cups of water to a heavy large saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and keep stirring with a wooden spoon until it comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens, and the cornmeal is tender, stirring often, about 10-15 minutes. You may add some more water if desired. Turn off the heat. Scoop out balls with a small bowl – shake and form a ball by roll it around. Or place on a saran wrap plastic (I have been told several times not to do this – health wise so be mindful of it).
Nutrition Information: Calories: 600kcal (30%)| Carbohydrates: 160g (53%)| Protein: 35g (70%)| Fat: -22g (-34%)| Saturated Fat: -2g (-13%)| Polyunsaturated Fat: -8g| Monounsaturated Fat: -18g| Trans Fat: 1g| Sodium: 1206mg (52%)| Potassium: 264mg (8%)| Fiber: 3g (13%)| Sugar: 3g (3%)| Vitamin A: 1266IU (25%)| Vitamin C: 79mg (96%)| Calcium: 2352mg (235%)| Iron: 117mg (650%)
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