Main Course · Dinner · African ·

Zambian Nshima with Collard Greens and Grilled Tilapia

Name: Zambian Nshima with Collard Greens and Grilled Tilapia
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups cornmeal (finely ground); 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tilapia fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon coriander powder

Enjoy a hearty meal of Nshima served with savory collard greens and flavorful grilled tilapia, a traditional dish from Zambia.

4.9(402 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 24, 2025

Zambian Nshima with Collard Greens and Grilled Tilapia — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Nshima

For the Collard Greens

For the Grilled Tilapia

For the Seasoning

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 406 kcal
Protein: 35.75 g
Carbs: 43.75 g
Fat: 12.25 g
Fiber: 4.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1625 kcal
Protein: 143 g
Carbs: 175 g
Fat: 49 g
Fiber: 17 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups cornmeal (finely ground)	960	24	208	8	12
4 cups water	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped	98	8	16	1	8
2 tablespoons vegetable oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 onion, finely chopped	44	1	10	0	2
2 cloves garlic, minced	9	0	2	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
4 tilapia fillets	440	108	0	8	0
2 tablespoons olive oil	240	0	0	28	0
1 lemon, juiced	12	1	4	0	1
1 teaspoon paprika	6	0	1	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper	6	1	1	0	1
1 teaspoon coriander powder	10	0	1	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Prepping the Tilapia

1
Prep Tilapia Fillets
Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
2
Marinate the Tilapia
Marinate with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper; set aside for 30 minutes.
3
Preheat Grill
Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat.
Tip: Ensure the tilapia is fully cooked before serving.

Preparing the Collard Greens

1
Heat Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté Aromatics
Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
Tip: Blanch the collard greens before sautéing to retain their vibrant color.
3
Cook Greens
Add collard greens, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until tender.

How to Make Zambian Nshima with Collard Greens and Grilled Tilapia

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Cooking the Nshima
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then slowly whisk in the cornmeal and salt until thick and smooth.
2
Grilling the Tilapia
Grill the marinated tilapia for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
3
Finish the Collard Greens
Allow the greens to cook slowly to absorb all flavors.