5 tasty ways to cook with chaya leaves
What's the story
Chaya leaves, or tree spinach, are a healthy addition to many dishes. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they give you a healthy boost in meals. In African cuisine, chaya leaves can be added in various ways to make a dish tastier and healthier. Here are five ways to add these nutritious leaves to traditional African dishes.
Soups and stews
Add to soups and stews
Chaya leaves can be added to soups and stews for added nutrition. They blend well with other vegetables and spices commonly used in African cooking. How to use them? Just chop the leaves finely and add them towards the end of the cooking process. This makes sure they retain their nutrients while adding a mild flavor that complements the dish.
Stir-fries
Incorporate into vegetable stir-fries
Incorporating chaya leaves into vegetable stir-fries is another excellent option. Their slightly nutty taste pairs well with other vegetables like spinach or kale. Saute the chopped chaya leaves with onions, garlic and your choice of spices for a quick side dish that is both healthy and flavorful.
Wraps
Use as a filling for wraps
Chaya leaves make for a great filling for wraps or rolls. They can be paired with ingredients such as beans or grains to prepare a wholesome meal option. Just blanch the chaya leaves beforehand before using as a wrap filling to make sure they are tender but firm enough to hold other ingredients together.
Smoothies
Blend into smoothies
For the smoothie lovers, blending chaya leaves into your drink is the easiest way to consume their nutrients without changing the taste so much. Mix fresh chaya leaves with fruits like bananas or mangoes, and some yogurt or milk, for a refreshing drink loaded with vitamins.
Grain dishes
Mix into grain-based dishes
Mixing chopped chaya leaves into grain-based dishes like rice or couscous lends them color and nutrition. This doesn't overpower flavors already absorbed by these staples of African cuisine. Preparation methods vary but typically involve adding finely chopped raw leaf pieces during the final stages. They cook just enough to become tender while retaining their nutritional value. This way, you can reap maximum benefit every time you prepare and enjoy them.