Pigweed or Amaranthus dubius is an indigenous
vegetable in Asia, Europe and Africa. It is a rare species in North America but
it is possible to spot a few plantations, like I did last summer within the
downtown area of Guelph. With climate modifications becoming an increasing
concern in developing countries, farmers in several Kenyan communities are
growing Amaranthus to deal with food
and nutritional insecurity due to its drought resistant nature. Amaranthus is a fast growing plant
species requiring very little to no maintenance. Most people may recognize it as
a type of weed i.e. one does not need to obtain it from the local market. This
makes it a suitable commodity for low-income households. Its nutritional
benefits outweigh those in spinach and this has made Amaranthus a preferred vegetable substitute in several Kenyan
communities. Commonly known as ‘terere’ among the Kenyan Ameru and Kikuyu
tribes, Amaranthus is served cooked
and is an accompaniment of ‘ugali’ during lunch or dinner. Included below is a
simple ‘terere’ recipe as prepared by my family in Kenya.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 tbsp saltWarm water
Bowl
1 bunch ‘terere’/pigweed
3 tbsp Cooking oil
1 onion chopped
3 pieces of garlic cloves
2 tomatoes diced
½ a bunch of coriander
Pepper
Ø Prior to cooking, remove the terere leaves from the stem then wash
them in a bowl with warm water and salt until all the soil is out.
Ø In a small saucepan, add the cooking oil followed by the chopped up onions.
Ø Cook for a few minutes then add the crushed garlic, stir until
golden brown.
Ø Add the tomatoes and chopped up coriander and let them cook for a
while.
Ø (Optional) Add a pinch of salt and/or pepper to taste.
Ø Add the terere leaves, stirring the mixture and allow cooking for
5-8 minutes.
Ø Serve hot with ugali and beef stew/ bean stew.
Additional Recipes:
Terere lasagna courtesy of ‘mpishi poa’- http://www.mpishipoa.com/terere-lasagne/
Reference:
Maundu, P., Kimiywe J., Mbumi, M., Smith,
I. F., Johns, T., and Eyzaguirre, P. B. Nutrition and indigenous vegetables in
urban and peri-urban agriculture in Kenya. Biodiversity
International.
Written by: Angela Kabii, ECVOntario, University of Guelph