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Zambian Mopane Worms Relish

Zambian Mopane Worms Relish is a traditional Zambian recipe for a sauce of mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina caterpillars), tomato and onion typically served over rice. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Zambian version of: Zambian Mopane Worms Relish.

prep time

10 minutes

cook time

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Serves:

4

Rating:

Tags : Sauce RecipesVegetable RecipesZambia Recipes

Mopane worms are the caterpillars of the moth Gonimbrasia belina and were originally a dish common among the Bemba tribe of the Northern Province of Zambia although they have become popular to other parts of the country as well. Locally known as ifishimu/ifinkubala (Bemba), or Vinkubala (Chinyanja),. Mopane worms are harvested twice a year. There is usually one main harvest, during the early months of the rainy season (November to January) but a smaller second harvest occurs in April- May following good rains. After harvesting, the caterpillars are squeezed (to remove the gut contents), parboiled and dried before selling at the markets. As well as Zambia they are also eaten in Botswana, Zimbabwe, the northern parts of South Africa and Namibia. The mopane worm is so-called in English because it is usually found on the mopane tree, Colophospermum mopane.

Ingredients:

100g (1 cup) of ifinkubala (dried Mopane worms)
1 medium sized tomato (diced)
1 medium sized onion (chopped)
Salt, to taste
3 tbsp cooking oil

Method:

Soak the Ifinkubala in hot water for at least 5-7 minutes to rehydrate.

Add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil to a frying pan and place over medium-high heat. Drain the mopane worms and add to the pan. Season lightly with salt and cook for 7-10 minutes, until the Ifinkubala become crunchy.

Add the onion and fry for about 4 minutes, until soft then stir in the tomato. Cook for about 6 minutes more, until the tomato begins to break down and form a sauce.

Serve.