On our new website, we have a tab called “Just for fun” which includes some Zambian recipes and some Zambian music.  I am just beginning to load things to it, but stay tuned…..we are building!  Here is your first recipe, and I know those of you in the wonderful, marvelous South will love it!

Zambian Relish (Collards)

Ingredients:                                                                                                                                                    Large bundle of greens (collards or other milder greens) in amount for your family                  1 small onion, chopped                                                                                                                      1 small tomato , chopped                                                                                                                  1 large clove of garlic, chopped                                                                                                        1/8 cup of oil                                                                                                                                      salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:                                                                                                                                                  First, wash those greens well!  Zambians love caterpillars, but they miss the mark with            most mzungus (white people).  After letting the greens drain, roll them into a huge                  roll that you can hold and begin cutting into fine strips (about an eighth of an inch)                Put aside.  Now add oil to your large frying pan, and saute the onion, tomato, and                    garlic just till onions are more translucent.  Now add your greens to the frying pan,                  (NO, do not cook them first!) and gently begin tossing them to mix in the oil and other            ingredients.  Cook until they begin to cook down but greens remain bright green.  Do              not overcook!  I know, I know, we have always boiled them to death in the South, but                they are so much more flavorful this way.  All of my Southern family love them this                  way, and all the vitamins are left in them, not boiled away.  Yes, I hear you.  The oil,                  the oil!  Well, for Pete’s sake use less if you like, but it does need oil!  To eat truly                      Zambian style, throw out your forks and eat with nshema.  That recipe is next!  Happy            eating!