The Sunday Mail (Zimbabwe)

How to cook mutsine (blackjack leaves)

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GROWING up, my mum made tsine (blackjack leaves) for my siblings and I. Being kids, we used to despise it, despite her telling us how healthy it is. I guess the fact that we would see her picking it from the garden or around the yard, our minds registered that they were “masora” (weeds), so they could not possibly be food.

Fast forward to when I was older and tried the dried version and loved it, surprising­ly so did my kids! I went ahead and did the fresh version and everyone loved it too.

Blackjack leaves are very high in fibre, which, among many other things, help with the management of diabetes, maintainin­g a healthy heart (avoiding cardiovasc­ular diseases) and maintainin­g a healthy digestive system. So go on right ahead and try this recipe out.

Ingredient­s

◆ One bunch tsine (blackjack leaves),

chopped

◆ One large tomato, chopped

◆ One medium onion, chopped ◆ 250ml boiling water

◆ Half tablespoon salt

◆ Three tablespoon­s oil ◆ Medium-sized pot

◆ Wooden spoon

◆ Chopping board

◆ Sharp knife

Instructio­ns

1. Get your ingredient­s together. These include: One bunch tsine ( blackjack leaves), chopped; one large tomato, chopped; one medium onion, chopped; 250 ml boiling water; half tablespoon salt; and three tablespoon­s oil.

2. Put boiling water in pot. Add the blackjack leaves. Boil for five minutes then drain the water, reserving just a tablespoon.

3. Put the blackjack leaves back into the pot. Add the tomatoes, onions, salt, oil and reserved water.

Allow to simmer until the tomatoes and onions are cooked through.

4. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingl­y. Enjoy! — zimbokitch­en.com

 ??  ?? Black- jack leaves are high in fibre and help with the management of diabetes among other things
Black- jack leaves are high in fibre and help with the management of diabetes among other things

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