Kenyan
Sukuma Wiki
A homely Kenyan dish of finely sliced collard greens cooked with onion and tomato until tender, glossy, and savory. It is commonly served beside ugali for a simple, filling meal.
Watch it madeAjab Flour · 1:41
Ingredients
- Sukuma wiki collard greens, stems trimmed and leaves finely sliced300g
- Vegetable oil2 tbsp
- Red onion, finely chopped1 medium
- Ripe tomatoes, chopped2 medium
- Garlic, minced1 clove
- Salt1/2 tsp, or to taste
- Royco mchuzi mix or beef stock cube, optional1 tsp or 1/2 cube
- Water2 tbsp
Method
- Wash the sukuma wiki thoroughly, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice very thinly across the roll.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a sufuria or wide pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and salt, then cook until the tomatoes break down into a soft sauce.
- If using Royco or a stock cube, stir it in with the water until dissolved into the tomato mixture.
- Add the sliced sukuma wiki in handfuls, turning it through the onion-tomato base until it begins to wilt.
- Cover the pan and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once, until the greens are tender but still bright green.
- Taste and adjust the salt, then serve hot with ugali, chapati, rice, or githeri.
Common questions
Can I substitute kale or spinach for sukuma wiki?
Yes. Kale is the closest substitute and cooks similarly. Spinach works too, but it softens much faster, so add it at the very end and cook only 1 to 2 minutes to avoid a mushy result.
How long should I cook sukuma wiki so it stays tender but not soggy?
After adding the greens, cook covered for about 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once or twice. Stop as soon as they’re tender and still bright green. Overcooking makes them dull, watery, and less flavorful.
What are the most common mistakes when cooking sukuma wiki?
The main mistakes are undercooking the onions, burning the garlic, adding too much water, and overcooking the greens. Also avoid slicing the leaves too thickly, or they’ll stay tough and unevenly cooked.
How should I store leftover sukuma wiki?
Cool it quickly, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water. Freezing is possible, but the texture softens.
What are the best ways to serve sukuma wiki?
Serve it hot with ugali for the classic pairing, or alongside chapati, rice, or githeri. It also works well with beans, eggs, grilled meat, or avocado for a simple, filling meal.