🇨🇩 Congolese (DRC) Cuisine

Ngai-Ngai

Sorrel Leaf Sauce

Prep Time 15 min
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy
Calories 188 kcal

A tangy, vibrant sauce made from ngai-ngai (sorrel) leaves cooked with tomatoes, onions, and palm oil, prized for its refreshing sourness that cuts through rich dishes.

Ingredients

  • 400g ngai-ngai (sorrel) leaves, washed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp palm oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bouillon cube
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash and chop the ngai-ngai leaves finely.
  2. 2 Heat palm oil in a pot and saute onion and garlic until soft.
  3. 3 Add tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 8 minutes.
  4. 4 Add ngai-ngai leaves and water. Stir well.
  5. 5 Add bouillon cube and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until leaves are tender.
  6. 6 Serve as a sauce alongside rice, fufu, or grilled meats.

Did You Know?

The natural tartness of ngai-ngai leaves means Congolese cooks never need to add lemon or vinegar — the plant provides its own acidity.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/congolese-(drc)/ngai-ngai/