Ugandan Omena Stew with Greens
A flavorful and nutritious stew made with small dried fish (omena), simmered in a tomato and onion base, and enriched with leafy greens like spinach or collard greens. This dish highlights the importance of small fish in Ugandan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Dried Omena (small fish)(rinsed thoroughly)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1.5 cups Water or fish broth
- 200 g Leafy greens(e.g., spinach, kale, or collard greens, chopped)
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried omena thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or salt. Set aside.
- 2
In a pot or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and optional chili pepper, cooking until the tomatoes soften and break down, about 7-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the rinsed omena to the pot, along with the water or fish broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the omena to soften and release their flavor into the broth.
- 6
Stir in the chopped leafy greens. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The omena themselves can be salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- 8
Serve hot, typically with a side of ugali (maize porridge) or rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the omena are well-rinsed, as they can be quite salty.
- ✓Don't overcook the greens; they should remain vibrant.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the omena against the side of the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or okra.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter towards the end of cooking.