Namibian Omajova Mushroom Ragout
A rich and earthy ragout featuring Omajova mushrooms, a prized delicacy in Namibia that grows on termite mounds. This dish combines the unique flavor of the mushrooms with millet and a creamy sauce, offering a taste of the Namibian wilderness.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Omajova mushrooms(cleaned and sliced)
- 150 g Millet
- 400 ml Vegetable stock
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 30 g Butter(for greasing and cooking)
- 2 tbsp Semolina(for dusting)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 50 g Cashew nuts(lightly toasted)
- 100 ml Crème fraîche
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg(ground)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a saucepan, combine millet and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the millet is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 2
Once the millet is cool enough to handle, beat in the eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Grease a round-bottomed dish with butter and sprinkle with semolina. Spoon the millet mixture into the dish, pressing down gently. Place the dish in a larger casserole dish with a little water and steam for 25 minutes.
- 3
While the millet steams, prepare the mushroom ragout. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the toasted cashew nuts and fry briefly until lightly browned. Remove cashews and set aside.
- 4
Add the sliced Omajova mushrooms to the same pan. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and release their moisture. Sprinkle with flour and stir briefly.
- 5
Pour in the crème fraîche and a little more vegetable stock if needed to create a sauce. Cook gently over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- 6
Carefully turn the steamed millet mixture out onto a plate. Cut into quarters and serve hot, accompanied by the Omajova mushroom ragout. Garnish with toasted cashew nuts.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Omajova mushrooms are seasonal and best enjoyed fresh. If unavailable, large portobello or king oyster mushrooms can be substituted, though the flavor will differ.
- ✓Ensure the millet is not overcooked, as it will be steamed further.
- ✓Toast the cashew nuts gently to avoid burning.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the mushroom ragout for added depth of flavor.
- Serve the ragout with other starches like rice or polenta if millet is not preferred.