Mopane Worms Relish
A flavorful relish made from Mopane worms (also known as macimbi or madora), a delicacy in Zimbabwe. The worms are typically rehydrated, then simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices, creating a dish that is both nutritious and texturally interesting. It's often served as a side dish with sadza, the Zimbabwean staple porridge.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Dried Mopane worms (macimbi/madora)
- 2 cups Water(for soaking and simmering)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 large Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon Chilli flakes(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the dried mopane worms in 2 cups of hot water for about 15 minutes to rehydrate them. Drain and rinse thoroughly, ensuring they are clean.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, curry powder, turmeric, and chilli flakes to the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and started to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add the rehydrated mopane worms to the pan with the tomato mixture. Add about 1/2 cup of water, stir to combine, and season with salt to taste.
- 6
Cover the pan and let the relish simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the mopane worms are tender but still have a slight crunch. Stir occasionally.
- 7
Serve hot with sadza or your preferred starch.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the mopane worms are thoroughly cleaned to remove any soil or grit.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chilli flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓Mopane worms can be a bit chewy; cooking them until tender but not mushy is key.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include ginger for added warmth.
- A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.