Zimbabwean Peanut Mushroom Relish Recipe
This Zimbabwean-inspired Peanut Mushroom Relish is a hearty, savory side dish featuring earthy mushrooms simmered in a creamy peanut butter sauce with onions, tomatoes, and subtle spices.
It draws from traditional Zimbabwean preparations like dried wild mushrooms (nhedzi) in peanut butter sauce, often served as a relish alongside sadza (maize porridge). This vegan-friendly version celebrates African flavors with umami-rich mushrooms and nutty depth for a comforting, nutrient-packed addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Zimbabwean Peanut Mushroom Relish because it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish bursting with authentic African-inspired taste. The creamy peanut butter sauce clings beautifully to tender mushrooms, creating a velvety texture that’s both comforting and exciting.
It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein from peanuts and healthy nutrients from mushrooms—perfect for those seeking hearty yet light options. The subtle earthiness of mushrooms pairs magically with the rich, nutty peanut base, while onions and tomatoes add brightness and balance.
Quick to prepare yet full of soul-warming flavor, it brings a taste of Zimbabwean home cooking to your table, whether as a side with sadza, rice, or bread. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and delivers that addictive umami hit that keeps you coming back for more—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with something unique and culturally rich.
Zimbabwean Peanut Mushroom Relish Recipe
Creamy Zimbabwean-inspired relish with tender mushrooms in rich peanut sauce—earthy, nutty, and perfect with sadza.
Ingredients
- 500g (about 1 lb) fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or wild if available), sliced or quartered
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 3-4 tablespoons natural peanut butter (smooth preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth (adjust for desired thickness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chili for heat, fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Get everything ready and excited! Gather your fresh mushrooms, give them a quick wipe or rinse (don't soak too long), and slice or quarter them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely, dice those juicy tomatoes, and mince the garlic—this is where the magic starts building!
- Heat things up with love. Pour the oil into a medium pot or deep pan over medium heat. Let it warm gently until it shimmers, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden—this sweet base is key to that irresistible flavor.
- Add the aromatic boost. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing already—pure comfort!
- Bring in the tomatoes for brightness. Add the diced tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes break down into a soft, saucy mixture.
- Welcome the star mushrooms! Toss in the sliced mushrooms. Stir well to coat them in the tomato-onion goodness. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes—they'll release their juices and become tender and earthy.
- Time for the creamy peanut magic. Spoon in the peanut butter and stir thoroughly to melt it into the veggies. It might look thick at first— that's okay!
- Thin it out slowly and lovingly. Gradually pour in the water or broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust the amount until it's a thick, relish-like consistency that clings to the mushrooms.
- Season and simmer to perfection. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if you like a kick. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally—the flavors meld into something truly soul-soothing.
- Rest and let it shine. Turn off the heat and let the relish sit for a few minutes. This allows everything to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly—patience pays off here!
- Serve with joy! Spoon this gorgeous peanut mushroom relish into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and pair it with warm sadza, rice, or bread. Dive in and enjoy every nutty, earthy bite—share the love!
Notes
This recipe is inspired by traditional Zimbabwean dishes like dried mushrooms in peanut butter sauce and peanut-based relishes (e.g., muriwo unedovi variations). It's fully vegan and highlights seasonal or foraged mushrooms for authenticity. Adjust peanut butter for milder/richer taste. Great for meal prep!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 62Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gSodium 196mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 4g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
For the best results, use fresh mushrooms if available, but dried wild varieties (like nhedzi) add an authentic Zimbabwean depth—rehydrate them in hot water first and use the soaking liquid in the sauce for extra flavor. Smooth peanut butter works best for creaminess, but natural chunky adds nice texture.
Sauté onions and tomatoes low and slow to build a sweet base before adding peanut butter to prevent clumping. Thin the sauce gradually with water or broth to achieve your preferred consistency—aim for a thick relish that coats the mushrooms without being soupy.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as peanut butter can mute salt. For extra authenticity, serve with sadza or nshima. If using dried mushrooms, rinse well to remove grit. This dish improves overnight as flavors meld, so make ahead when possible.
Ingredients Notes in Long Form Peanuts (in the form of peanut butter) are a cornerstone of Zimbabwean cuisine, providing rich creaminess, protein, and that signature nutty flavor—opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter without added oils or sugars for the most authentic taste. Mushrooms bring an earthy, meaty texture; fresh button or cremini work well, but dried wild mushrooms (common in rural Zimbabwe) offer a more intense, traditional umami punch. Onions and tomatoes form the aromatic base, adding sweetness, acidity, and body to balance the richness of peanuts. Garlic enhances depth without overpowering, while a touch of chili or black pepper introduces gentle heat typical in African relishes. Oil (olive or vegetable) helps sauté and bloom flavors. Salt is essential to draw out mushroom moisture and season the sauce. Optional additions like fresh herbs (cilantro) or a squeeze of lemon brighten it up, but keep it simple for true Zimbabwean style.
Variations and Substitutions
This relish is wonderfully adaptable to suit preferences or availability. For a protein boost, stir in cooked beans, chickpeas, or tofu to make it heartier. Swap mushrooms for other veggies like spinach, kale, or okra (inspired by muriwo unedovi) for a greens-focused version. Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if peanut allergies are a concern, though the flavor shifts slightly.
Add coconut milk for a creamier, West African-inspired twist, or incorporate spices like paprika, cumin, or ginger for extra warmth. For heat lovers, amp up with fresh chilies, peri-peri sauce, or red pepper flakes. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes work fine. Make it oil-free by sautéing in water or broth. Dried mushrooms can be subbed entirely with fresh, or mix both for layered texture. For non-vegan, add cooked chicken or beef as in some traditional dovi stews.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors deepen beautifully over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to avoid separation. It freezes well—portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly; the texture may soften slightly but remains delicious.
Dish Gallery
Please share this Zimbabwean Peanut Mushroom Relish Recipe with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, West African Peanut Mushroom Sauce Recipe
