Liberian Fried Spinach Stew, also known as "Palava Sauce." This flavorful dish is a staple in Liberian cuisine and is typically served with rice or other starches. Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your taste preferences and ingredient availability.

It is rich in multiple vitamins, and high in flavonoids and minerals. The possible health benefits of consuming spinach include improving blood glucose control in people with diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer, and improving bone health. Additionally, this vegetable provides minerals and vitamins that can confer a range of benefits.

Ingredients:

For the stew base:

2 pounds fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped.

1 pound of protein (chicken, beef, or fish) cut into pieces

1 cup palm oil or Avocado Oil

1 medium onion, chopped.

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 vegetable bullion cubes

2 teaspoons KRU Sauce (adjust to taste)

Salt to taste

Water or broth- 1 cup

Smoked fish or dried fish, cleaned and flaked

Shrimp or prawns peeled and deveined

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat:

Wash the meat thoroughly and cut it into pieces.

In a pot, add oil on medium heat, add the meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, KRU Sauce, and a pinch of salt.

Cover the pot and cook over medium heat until the meat is tender. Add a little water or broth as needed to prevent sticking. Set it aside.

Prepare the Spinach:

Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and chop them.

Blanch the chopped spinach in boiling water for about 2 minutes.

Drain the spinach and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.

Cooking the Stew:

Remove cooked meat and set aside, add spinach to oil in the pot, and stir for about 5 minutes along with any accumulated juices.

If using, add the smoked fish or dried fish flakes and shrimp/prawns.

Add broth or water and add cubes to broth and salt to taste.

Add the meats and other proteins to the pot and allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.

Let the stew simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or KRU Sauce according to your preference.

Serve:

Your Liberian Fried Spinach Stew, or Palava Sauce, is ready to be served! Traditionally, it is served with rice, but you can also enjoy it with other starches like fufu or bread.

Remember, this recipe is a guideline, and you can customize it based on your preferences. Enjoy the rich and hearty flavors of Liberian cuisine!