🍲 **Plasas (West African Cassava Leaf Stew) 🇬🇭**

Plasas is a beloved dish from West Africa, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This delightful stew combines cassava leaves, peanut butter, and a variety of meats, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul.

🌍 **What Is Plasas?**

Plasas is a traditional West African stew made primarily with cassava leaves and often includes various meats, peanuts, and spices. It is a staple in many households and showcases the vibrant culinary heritage of the region.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 2.5 packets of cassava leaves

- 1 cup smooth peanut butter

- 1 cup groundnut powder (or whole groundnuts blended)

- 1 red onion, blended

- 1 white onion, blended

- 2-3 scotch bonnet chilies (to taste)

- 1-2 cups water (from boiling fish)

- Salt (to taste)

- 1 cup palm oil (divided)

- 1 handful of cut okra

- 5 garden eggs (optional)

**Optional:**

- Smoked fish or grilled fish (e.g., mackerel)

- Dry card fish

- Any meat of your choice (e.g., goat meat, chicken, beef)

- Shrimp (optional)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Fish:**

- Boil your choice of fish in a pan. Reserve the water for later use.

2. **Cook the Meat:**

- In the same pan with the fish water, add your choice of meat (goat meat or any preferred meat) and let it cook.

3. **Add Onions and Peanuts:**

- Stir in the blended red onion, white onion, and chilies.

- Add the smooth peanut butter and mix well.

4. **Incorporate Groundnut Powder:**

- Stir in the groundnut powder. If unavailable, blend whole groundnuts in a food processor.

5. **Season the Mixture:**

- Add salt to taste and cover the pot. Let it cook for a few minutes.

6. **Add Cassava Leaves:**

- Once the mixture is cooked, add the cassava leaves and stir well.

7. **Incorporate Palm Oil:**

- Add half of the palm oil and cover the pot again to allow the flavors to meld.

8. **Add Optional Ingredients:**

- If using, add dry card fish and the remaining palm oil. Stir to combine.

9. **Final Cooking Steps:**

- Add scotch bonnet chilies and garden eggs (if using).

- Carefully remove bones from the fish, cut into chunky slices, and add to the stew.

- Stir in shrimp and a handful of cut okra.

10. **Simmer:**

- Reduce the heat and let the plasas simmer until all ingredients are well cooked and flavors are combined.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve plasas hot over a bed of rice or with your favorite side dish. It pairs wonderfully with fufu or boiled plantains for a complete meal.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of meats.

- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of scotch bonnet chilies.

- If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer longer without the lid.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

Plasas is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the cassava leaves and peanuts. Its rich, savory flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy the taste of West Africa right in your kitchen!