Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes
A traditional East African side dish featuring collard greens slowly braised with tomatoes, onions, and fragrant spices for a hearty, flavorful vegetable dish. This african-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chopped collard greens (Sukuma Wiki), medium, diced tomatoes, medium, finely chopped red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 500 g, chopped collard greens (Sukuma Wiki)
- 3 medium, diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 100 ml water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 medium finely chopped red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 diced medium tomatoes, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 500 g chopped collard greens and 100 ml water. Stir well, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until the greens are tender and infused with the spiced tomato sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Braised Kenyan Sukuma Wiki with Spiced Tomatoes gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
