Chambo cha kukaanga na Masamba Otendera (Lake Malawi Tilapia with Peanut Greens) – Authentic Malawi Recipe
Malawi’s lakeside culinary pride: golden Chambo fish served alongside greens in creamy groundnut sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇲🇼 Malawi (East Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crisp pan-seared tilapia (Chambo) fillets, Leafy greens in roasted peanut sauce, White cornmeal nsima, Fresh lemon, Garlic
Ingredients for Chambo cha kukaanga na Masamba Otendera (Lake Malawi Tilapia with Peanut Greens) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crisp pan-seared tilapia (Chambo) fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups leafy greens in roasted peanut sauce, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup white cornmeal nsima
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lemon
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Malawi seasoning (garlic, tomatoes, sweet onion)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and fresh lemon for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add crisp pan-seared tilapia (Chambo) fillets and leafy greens in roasted peanut sauce along with garlic, tomatoes, sweet onion, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with white cornmeal nsima and serve straight from the skillet.