Morogo Wa Dinawa Recipe – Traditional Botswana Spinach and Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb (about 4 cups) fresh morogo (amaranth leaves, or substitute with spinach or collard greens), washed and chopped
• 1 cup dried cowpeas (dinawa), soaked overnight and drained
• 4 cups water (for boiling cowpeas)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium ripe tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)