Liberian Cassava Leaf Stew (GBassajama) – Authentic Liberia Recipe

Liberia’s most cherished home-cooked stew of pounded cassava greens slow-simmered in red palm oil.

Country of Origin
🇱🇷 Liberia (West Africa, Africa)
Dietary Profile
omnivore
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Signature Staples
Finely pounded cassava leaves (or spinach), Tender beef cubes, Steamed white rice, Red palm oil, Garlic

Ingredients for Liberian Cassava Leaf Stew (GBassajama) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) finely pounded cassava leaves (or spinach), prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups tender beef cubes, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup steamed white rice
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with red palm oil
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional Liberia seasoning (garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, sweet onion)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown finely pounded cassava leaves (or spinach) for 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced onion, garlic, red palm oil, and garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, sweet onion, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
  3. Add tender beef cubes and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
  4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
  5. Stir in steamed white rice right before serving warm.

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