Zambian cuisine is characterized by its reliance on staple foods such as maize, which is often ground into mealie meal to make nshima, a thick porridge that serves as a base for many meals. Nshima is typically accompanied by a variety of relishes, including vegetables, beans, and meats like chicken, beef, or fish. Common vegetables include pumpkin leaves, okra, and sweet potato leaves. Zambian dishes often incorporate local ingredients such as groundnuts, caterpillars, and kapenta, a type of small dried fish. The cuisine is known for its simplicity and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle of the country.