Sukuma wiki

Collard greens or kale sauteed with onion and tomato until just tender. The name means 'push the week' in Swahili, a nod to its role as an affordable, filling side.

Sukuma wiki

Ugali & Sukuma Wiki: Paresh Jai from Nairobi, Kenya, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Sukuma wiki is an everyday side across Kenya and neighboring countries, served with ugali or rice. It is a staple of home cooking and a budget-friendly way to stretch a meal.

Explore the cuisine of Kenya.

Recipe

Make Sukuma wiki at home

Serves 4Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches collard greens or kale (about 600 g)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp curry powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water or stock
  • salt and pepper
  • lemon wedges

How it's made

  1. Wash the greens, remove the thick stems and slice into thin ribbons.
  2. Heat the oil and cook the onion until soft and golden.
  3. Add garlic and tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
  4. Stir in the curry powder if using.
  5. Add the greens and water, cover and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until tender.
  6. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.

Variations

  • With beef stew: cooked with meat for a one-pot meal.
  • With coconut milk: a creamy coastal version.

Cook’s tip: Slice the greens very thin for quick, tender cooking and a pleasant bite.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit
  • Ugali & Sukuma Wiki: Paresh Jai from Nairobi, Kenya, CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)