Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions
A traditional Kenyan side dish featuring collard greens sautéed with fresh tomatoes and onions for a vibrant, savory flavor. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs collard greens (sukuma wiki), chopped, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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
- 4 cups collard greens (sukuma wiki), chopped
- 2 medium (about 1 cup) ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium (about 1/2 cup) red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a chunky sauce.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups chopped collard greens, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 4: Uncover and cook an additional 2 minutes to evaporate excess liquid, then adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions 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 Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions?
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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions?
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 Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions 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.
What goes well with Simmered Sukuma Wiki with Tomatoes and Onions?
African vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
