A Kenyan staple meets rich, comforting flavors, tender Sukuma wiki (collard greens or kale) simmered in creamy coconut milk, served alongside perfectly roasted, spice-kissed sweet potatoes. An effortless dish that balances wholesome, aromatic and downright delicious flavors.
Why You’ll love This Recipe
- Plant-powered & nutrient rich – loaded with fiber, iron and vitamins.
- Authentic Kenyan comfort – Sukuma wiki is a beloved everyday dish in East Africa.
- A universal crowd-pleaser- mild yet flavorful, with creamy and warm spiced potatoes.
- Quick, fuss-free cooking – comes together in under 40 minutes.
Fun fact: ‘Sukuma wiki” translates to “stretch the week” in Kiswahili, highlighting its affordability and importance in Kenyan households.
Ingredients
Sukuma wiki (creamy coconut)
- 1 table spoon of Coconut oil.
- 1 medium Red onion, thinly sliced.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Piece of ginger, grated
- 2 fresh Tomato, diced
- 1 bunch of kale finely chopped
- ½ table spoon Tumeric
- ½ table spoon Curry powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 200ml canned coconut milk
- 1 table spoon Lemon or lime juice (optional)
Roasted spiced sweet potatoes
- 2 medium sweet, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ table spoon ground cumin
- ½ table spoon cinnamon
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: fresh coriander or parsley to garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the sweet potatoes
Preheat your over to 200c (390F). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, cumin, cinnamon and salt. Spread evenly on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halway, until golden and tender.
Step 2: prepare the creamy Sukuma wiki
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes then add garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute. Add tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy. Stir in turmeric, curry powder, salt and pepper. Add chopped Sukuma wiki and stir to coat with the aromatics. Cook for 2-3 mins until wilted. Pour in coconut milk, reduced heat and simmer for 5- 7 mins until creamy and tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and lime juice if desired.
Serving suggestions
Serve warm, with the roasted sweet potatoes on the side or stirred into the Sukuma wiki. Pair with fluffy basmati rice, chapati or crusty baguette. Top with roasted peanuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Tips & variations
- Swap kale for spinach or chard.
- Use cooking cream instead of coconut milk.
- Skip the tomatoes and add an extra onion.
- Boost protein with added chickpeas or butter beans.
- Craving heat? Add Kenyan pili pili or your favorite Chilli.
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