Sukuma Wiki is a popular Kenyan side dish that can be made out of collards or kale. In Kenya, the plant traditionally used is a tall-growing cabbage variety elsewhere known as "walking stick cabbage" for the tall woody stalk it produces.

It is often served with ugali, a porridge made from maize. Translated literally from Swahili, sukuma wiki means 'to push out the week', implying that it is a staple used to stretch the family meals to last for the week.

Ingredients:
6 cups chopped or shredded fresh kale or collard greens
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 green chili pepper, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 to 1 cup water

Procedure:
1. Fill the bottom of a saucepan with about an inch of water. Insert strainer filled with greens and bring water to boil over high heat. Cover and steam for 6-8 minutes.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat.
3. Add onions, tomatoes, and chili pepper and sauté about 3 minutes or until the onion is translucent. Reduce heat to low.
4. Mix lemon juice, flour, and 1/2 cup water in small bowl until well blended. Pour into onion mixture and mix well.
5. Add 1/2 cup water, cooked greens, salt and pepper and mix well. Increase heat to medium, cover and cook for 3 minutes or until heated through.

Photos by Isabelle Prondzynski. Used with permission.