Zambia / Side
Lumanda (Zambian Okra Stew)
Lumanda is a flavorful Zambian okra stew that celebrates the unique taste and texture of okra. This vegetarian stew is made with fresh okra pods, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is a delightful dish often enjoyed with nshima, a popular Zambian staple food.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil2 tbsp
- onion, finely chopped1
- garlic, minced2 clove
- hot pepper, chopped; remove seeds for less heat1
- paprika, ground1 tsp
- ground cumin1 tsp
- ground turmeric1/2 tsp
- ground coriander1/2 tsp
- okra, fresh; sliced2 cup
- tomato, diced1
- salt, to taste
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 8 steps
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped hot pepper to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
Stir in the ground paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground coriander. Cook for a minute or two to release the flavors of the spices.
Add the sliced okra and diced tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine the vegetables with the spice mixture.
Season the stew with salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and cooked through.
Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking of the okra and tomatoes.
Once the stew is ready, remove the pot from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
