Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan Collard Greens)

Sukuma wiki is the kind of dish that turns collard green skeptics into believers. It is a beloved Kenyan staple packed with bold flavor, ready in 25 minutes, and only 4 net carbs per serving.

If you do not like collard greens, this will make a believer out of you. I did not grow up eating collard greens as it is not common in Nigeria, so I struggled with it the first time I had it.

But I became hooked the first time I tasted this Kenyan delicacy, and I think you will too. Sukuma wiki is made with readily available ingredients and is so easy to make.

You won't be able to resist its delicious, robust flavor!

🧡 Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is super simple and comes together in about 25 minutes. You sauté your onions and tomatoes, add your spices, throw in the greens, and that is it. No fancy technique required.

I add beef to mine for extra protein, but you can leave it out completely and it is still incredibly satisfying. The Royco seasoning is what gives it that authentic Kenyan flavor. Maggi cubes work great too if that is what you have.

💭 What does Sukuma Wiki mean?

Sukuma wiki is the Swahili name for collard greens. The literal translation means to 'stretch the week' or 'push the week.'

Sukuma wiki is a staple in many East African countries like Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania. Collard greens are available all year round in these regions, which makes them easily affordable.

🧾 Ingredients I Use

• Collard greens: I use collard greens, but you can also substitute with kale.
• Tomatoes and onions: These vegetables, when sautéed, add a lot o flavor to the collard greens.
• Beef (optional): The traditional sukuma wiki does not call for meat, but I wanted to add a bit more protein to my dish. You can omit this since it is optional.
• Spices: I use cayenne pepper, bouillon, black pepper, and salt. For bouillon, I use the powder form, but you can use cubes instead. The popular brand in Kenya is known as Royco seasoning. You can also use Maggi cubes (which is popular in West Africa). If you don't have bouillon, you can leave it out or use your favorite spice.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables.

🔪 How to Make Sukuma Wiki

1. If you are going to use beef, cook it separately. To prepare the meat, cut it into smaller pieces, add some salt and pepper and boil till tender. This will take about 30 - 40 minutes. I did not include the time to make the beef because it is optional, and you need to have it already prepared if you want to add it.
2. Chop the onions and tomatoes and set aside. Chop the collard greens and wash in a colander under running water.
3. Sauté onions in olive oil on medium heat. When translucent, add the chopped tomatoes and stir for about 2 minutes.
4. Add all your spices - cayenne pepper, bouillon, salt, and black pepper. If you want to use beef or any other protein, add it now and stir.
5. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes on medium-low heat. Keep an eye on it, so it does not burn.
6. Add the chopped collard greens and stir. Let it cook for roughly 5 minutes, and your sukuma wiki is done!

This recipe serves 4 and contains 4 net carbs per serving.

🍽️ What to Serve With Sukuma Wiki

Sukuma wiki is traditionally eaten with a popular East African fufu dish known as Ugali, and sometimes with rice.

Here are some great dishes to eat it with on a low carb diet:
Cauliflower mash
Cauliflower rice
Coconut fufu
Cabbage fufu

🔄 Recipe Variations

• You can make these African collard greens as spicy as you want or omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
• I made mine with beef, but you can use chicken, goat meat, fish, or leave it out for a vegetarian option. Another great option is ground beef or turkey.
• You can mix the collard greens with kale or even spinach. I have done it either way, depending on what leafy greens I had on hand, and it still turned out great.
• You can also mix sukuma wiki with stew for an even more delicious combination!

💡 My Expert Tips

• Do not add any water to your collard greens, or it might turn out watery. There will be some moisture from the washed collard greens, which should allow it to cook without burning.
• If you like your sukuma wiki chewy, let it cook for 3-5 minutes. If you want it more tender, let it cook for 5 - 10 minutes.
• If using kale, it will take a bit longer to cook. You can taste and see how you like it and remove it when done.

👩‍🍳 Questions You Might Have

Got questions about sukuma wiki? Here are the ones I get asked the most.

Originally published in July 2020, this post was updated in June 2026 for accuracy and to include more helpful content.

📖 Recipe