Country: Cameroon Region / Locale: Cameroonian Servings: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• bitter leaves – 300 g / 10 oz, washed and shredded
• peanuts – 200 g / 1 cup, roasted and ground
• beef – 500 g / 1 lb, cubed
• fresh shrimp – 250 g / 8 oz, peeled and deveined
• onions – 2 medium, chopped
• garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• red bell pepper – 1 large, chopped
• stock cubes – 2 cubes
• salt – to taste
• black pepper – 1 tsp
• palm oil – 100 ml / 1/2 cup
• water – as needed

Instructions

1. Boil the cubed beef in water with salt and one stock cube until tender, about 30-40 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat palm oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the red bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the ground peanuts to form a thick paste.
5. Incorporate the boiled beef and cooking liquid, mix thoroughly.
6. Add the bitter leaves and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the shrimp, second stock cube, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
8. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Substitutions

• bitter leaves -> spinach or collard greens
• palm oil -> canola oil or vegetable oil
• beef -> chicken or tofu

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Marinate the beef with garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
• Use fresh peanuts for a more intense taste.
• Add dried crayfish for additional umami.