Coconut Kale Curry with Cornmeal Porridge (Mbowa and Xima)

Coconut Kale Curry with Cornmeal Porridge (Mbowa and Xima)

Coconut Kale Curry with Cornmeal Porridge (Mbowa and Xima)

Mbowa and xima are two commonly eaten dishes in Mozambique. Mbowa is kale simmered in coconut milk with chickpeas. If you prefer a different green other than kale, spinach and collards are a suitable replacement. Xima is a simple cornmeal porridge; a typical side dish similar to polenta and grits. There is so much flavor going on that this vegan meal would please the mightiest of carnivores.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mozambican
Keyword: main course, Mozambican, Southern African, vegan
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

Coconut Kale Curry (Mbowa)

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 1 roma tomato finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/8 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 bunch dino kale washed and chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas drained
  • salt to taste

Cornmeal Porridge (Xima)

  • 5 cups water
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup cornmeal

Instructions

  • Heat the coconut oil in a large sauté pan over medium low heat. Add in the cumin seeds and let sizzle for 2 minutes.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Turn the heat up to medium high and sauté the onions for 5 minutes.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Add in the ginger and garlic. Sauté for a minute.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Add in the tomato and the rest of the seasonings. Sauté for 5 minutes.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Pour in the coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Add in the kale and chickpeas. Season with salt.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Uncover. Turn the heat up to medium high and simmer until the majority of the liquid has evaporated; about 10 more minutes.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan

Cornmeal Porridge

  • Bring the water and salt to a boil in a pot.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
  • Pour in the cornmeal. Reduce the heat to low and consistently whisk for 12-15 minutes until the cornmeal has thickened.
    Mozambican, main course, vegan
Mozambican, main course, vegan
Mozambican, main course, vegan
Serve the coconut kale curry with the cornmeal porridge.