Cookbook:Ikijumba (Rwandan Sweet Potato Stew)

Ikijumba is a comforting and flavorful sweet potato stew from Rwanda. Made with tender sweet potatoes, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for colder days.

Ingredients

 * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
 * 1 medium onion, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 * 4 cups diced sweet potatoes
 * 1 carrot, diced
 * 1 green bell pepper, diced
 * 1 teaspoon curry powder
 * ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
 * Salt to taste
 * Black pepper, to taste
 * 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
 * 2 cups vegetable broth or water
 * Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

 * Large pot
 * Cutting board
 * Knife
 * Stirring spoon or spatula

Procedure

 * 1) In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
 * 2) Add the diced sweet potatoes, carrot, and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
 * 3) Sprinkle the curry powder and cayenne pepper (if using) over the vegetables, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir again to coat the vegetables with the spices.
 * 4) Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and bring the mixture to a boil.
 * 5) Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
 * 6) Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking of the vegetables.
 * 7) Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, add the diced tomatoes to the stew. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
 * 8) Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices according to your preference.
 * 9) Remove the pot from the heat, and let the ikijumba rest for a few minutes before serving.
 * 10) Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes, tips, and variations

 * Feel free to customize the stew with other vegetables like peas, green beans, or spinach.
 * For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the cooked sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon before adding the diced tomatoes.
 * Adjust the spiciness of the stew by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
 * Ikijumba can be served on its own as a satisfying and comforting meal, or alongside steamed rice or flatbread for a more substantial meal.
 * Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
 * This stew provides a good source of carbohydrates and essential nutrients from the vegetables.