Here’s a recipe for a traditional Mozambican dish called “Matapa.” Matapa is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with cassava leaves and coconut milk, commonly served with rice or maize porridge.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh or frozen cassava leaves
• 400ml coconut milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons ground peanuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon ground dried shrimp (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. If using fresh cassava leaves, wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and chop them finely. If using frozen cassava leaves, defrost them according to the package instructions.
2. In a large pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for a few more minutes until they soften.
4. Stir in the ground peanuts, ground dried shrimp (if using), ground coriander, cumin, and paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add the chopped cassava leaves to the pan and mix them with the other ingredients. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and season with salt to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or more coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency.
8. Once the matapa is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Matapa is traditionally served with rice or maize porridge. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or meat.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this Mozambican specialty!