Basico (Sesame, Greens & Smoked Meat)

Name: Basico (Sesame, Greens & Smoked Meat)
Yield: 6
Cuisine: South Sudan
Ingredients: Leafy greens (collard greens, spinach or kale), shredded — 400 g (about 6 cups); Smoked meat or smoked fish, flaked or shredded — 100 g (3.5 oz); Sesame seeds, toasted and ground — 3 tbsp (30 g); Onion, chopped — 1; Tomatoes, chopped — 2; Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp (30 ml); Water — 250 ml (1 cup); Salt, or to taste — 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml); Chili powder (optional) — 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Leafy greens (collard greens, spinach or kale), shredded — 400 g (about 6 cups)
Smoked meat or smoked fish, flaked or shredded — 100 g (3.5 oz)
Sesame seeds, toasted and ground — 3 tbsp (30 g)
Onion, chopped — 1
Tomatoes, chopped — 2
Vegetable oil — 2 tbsp (30 ml)
Water — 250 ml (1 cup)
Salt, or to taste — 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml)
Chili powder (optional) — 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml)

Method

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then grind to a coarse powder.
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until pulpy.
Stir in the smoked meat or fish and cook for 2-3 minutes to release its flavour into the pot.
Add the ground sesame, water, salt and chili powder, and stir to combine.
Fold in the shredded greens and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the mixture has thickened.
Serve hot as a side with asida, kisra or rice.

Introduction: Basico brings together three pantry staples of the South Sudanese kitchen – ground sesame, leafy greens and smoked meat or fish – into a rich, savoury side dish.

Cultural Background: Basico brings together three pantry staples of the South Sudanese kitchen – ground sesame, leafy greens and smoked meat or fish – into a rich, savoury side dish. The smoked protein infuses the whole pan with flavour, while the ground sesame lends body and a distinctive nutty depth that sets basico apart from lighter greens dishes.

Tips: Toasting the sesame seeds fresh, rather than using pre-ground sesame, makes a noticeable difference to the flavour. If your smoked meat or fish is very salty, taste before adding extra salt.

Variations: Use groundnuts (peanuts) in place of sesame for a related dish with a different nutty character. Leave out the smoked protein and add extra sesame for a vegetarian version. Omit the smoked meat or fish and add extra sesame and a touch more oil for a vegetarian version.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, adding a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition: Approx. 190 kcal, 10 g protein, 13 g fat, 9 g carbohydrate, 4 g fibre per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What can I use instead of smoked fish?

A: Smoked chicken or turkey works well, or omit it entirely and add a little extra oil and sesame for a vegetarian version.

Q: Can I use pre-ground sesame or tahini?

A: Yes, though toasting and grinding whole seeds fresh gives a noticeably more aromatic result.