Palava sauce is a popular West African dish, especially in Ghana. It's a flavorful and nutritious stew typically made with green leafy vegetables like spinach or kontomire (cocoyam leaves), and it's often served with rice, yams, or plantains. Here's a basic recipe for palava sauce:

Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
35min
Total Time
45min
Palava sauce recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
  • 2cups
    • of chopped spinach or kontomire (cocoyam leaves)
  • • Fresh tomatoes (blended)
  • • Tomato paste
  • 1
    • medium onion
  • chopped
  • 2
    • cloves of garlic
  • minced
  • 1piece
    • thumb-sized of ginger
  • grated
  • 1/4cup
    • of palm oil or vegetable oil
  • 1
    • Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
  • chopped (optional
  • for heat)
  • • smoked fish
  • cleaned (I used tuna for this recepie)
  • • cowhide (wele)
  • 1/2cup
    • of melon seed(egusi)
  • • Salt to taste
  • 1
    • Maggi or stock cubes
  • • Water or broth as needed

How to make Palava sauce

    1. Prepare the Vegetables:
  1. If using kontomire (cocoyam leaves), boil them for about 5-7 minutes to soften them. Drain and chop them finely. If using spinach, you can skip the boiling step and just chop them.

    Step 1.1: If using kontomire (cocoyam leaves), boil them for about 5-7 minutes to soften them
    1. Heat the Oil:
  2. o In a large pot, heat the palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.

    1. Sauté Aromatics:
  3. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the oil. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic.

    Step 1.1: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the oil
    1. Add Tomato paste
    Step 1.1: 1
  4. Add tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Add water to loosen it up

    1. Add Tomatoes and Peppers:
    Step 1.1: 1
    Step 1.2: 1
  5. Stir in the blended tomatoes and Scotch bonnet peppers (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.

    Step 1.1: Stir in the blended tomatoes and Scotch bonnet peppers (if using)
    1. Add Fish and Seasonings:
    Step 1.1: 1
    Step 1.2: 1
    Step 1.3: 1
    Step 1.4: 1
  6. Stir in the smoked fish or tuna and cowhide(wele), season with salt and stock cubes. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    1. Add melon seed (egusi):
    Step 1.1: 1
  7. Stir in melon seed. Add a bit of water to loosen it up Cook for 3mins

    Step 1.1: Stir in melon seed
    1. Add the Vegetables:
    Step 1.1: 1
  8. Stir in the chopped spinach or kontomire. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the greens are tender and the sauce is well combined. Add more water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

    Step 1.1: Stir in the chopped spinach or kontomire
    1. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
  9. Taste the sauce and enjoy

    Step 1.1: Taste the sauce and enjoy

FAQS

  1. Can I use other leafy greens instead of spinach or kontomire?

    Yes, you can substitute spinach or kontomire with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, but the flavor and texture may vary.

  2. Is it necessary to use palm oil for this recipe?

    While palm oil is traditional and adds a unique flavor, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute if you prefer or if palm oil is unavailable.

  3. How can I adjust the heat level of the palava sauce?

    You can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. For a milder sauce, consider omitting the peppers entirely or using a smaller amount.

  4. Can I make palava sauce vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes, you can make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the smoked fish and cowhide, and using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

  5. What can I serve with palava sauce?

    Palava sauce is typically served with rice, yams, or plantains, but you can also enjoy it with any starchy side of your choice.

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