Ombidi (Namibian Spinach Stew) is a traditional Namibian recipe for a classic vegetarian stew of spinach leaves (originally wild spinach) with onions and spices. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Namibian version of: Namibian Spinach Stew (Ombidi).
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Ombidi is the name of the plant (called wild spinach) in English and the stew made from it. Ombidi represents the leaves of Cleome gynandra (spider plant/African cabbage). The plant sprouts during the north Namibian rainy season (November to March). Ombidi is a leafy green plant with long bushy stems and leaves that somewhat resemble clover (though the leaves are three-lobed). The ombidi plant is either picked and used fresh or boiled and then dried in the sun for later usage. Ombidi is found in South Africa typically on disturbed sandy soils and I was able to procure and cook some whilst there. However, it’s essentially impossible to obtain outside Southern Africa. As a result I would suggest that spinach is substituted to prepare this recipe.
Ingredients:
300g frozen spinach, thawed and drained
6 tbsp tinned chopped tomatoes
2 medium onions, peeled with one coarsely and one finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
5 tbsp water (or more if necessary)
1 tsp kapana spice mix
salt and freshly-ground pepper and a pinch of freshly-grated nutmeg, to taste
2 tbsp sunflower oil, for frying
Method:
Allow the frozen spinach to thaw (quicker if you use a microwave) then drain in a colander.
Set a saucepan over medium-high heat and once hot add the sunflower oil and use to fry the onions, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue frying for a further minute before stirring in the tomatoes with 1 tbsp water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Squeeze the excess water from the spinach then add to the pan. Stir to combine, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Now stir in the remaining water, return to a simmer and cook for a further 5 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook, uncovered, stirring for a further minute then take off the heat and serve immediately.
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