196 Zambia -Crocodile (Alligator) Burger and Ifisashi Stew

Zambia – Crocodile (Alligator) Burger and Ifisashi Stew

I tried finding crocodile meat but had to substitute alligator for this recipe. This was my first time cooking alligator so I cooked it longer making sure it was fully cooked. I was surprised at how moist the burger patties turned out. The stew was a perfect accompaniment as it brought richness and spice to this meal.

Crocodile Burger Ingredients

1 very finely chopped or grated Onion,

1 beaten egg

450g minced crocodile ceat (I used alligator)

1 stalk celery, very finely chopped

2 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup 

2 teaspoon dried Mixed Herbs, 50g (I used Italian)

Fresh White Breadcrumbs

Crocodile Burger Instructions

Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Divide the mixture into 8 and form each portion into a ball. Use your hands, pressing the mixture together firmly. Turn each ball into a lightly floured surface and press down with the palm of your hand to form burgers. Cook over hot coals for 5-8 minutes each side or until cooked through. Serve hot.

Ifisashi Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 medium tomato, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 cups raw shelled and skinned peanuts

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground paprika

Salt, to taste

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Ifisashi Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
3. Add the diced tomato, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend the shelled peanuts until they form a smooth paste. You may need to add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Add the peanut paste to the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in enough water to reach your desired consistency for the stew. Stir to mix the water with the peanut and vegetable mixture.
7. Season the stew with ground cayenne pepper, ground cumin, ground paprika, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
8. Let the stew simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
9. Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir to incorporate it into the stew. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and let the stew rest for a few minutes before serving.

Original recipe found here:

https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Ifisashi_(Zambian_Peanut_and_Spinach_Stew)