Phane

Phane

Phane (PAH-neh)

Mopane Worms

Prep Time 1 hour
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 262 kcal

Dried mopane caterpillars rehydrated and fried with onion and tomato until crispy on the outside and tender inside — a protein-rich Botswanan delicacy.

Nutrition & Info

250 kcal per serving
Protein 35.0g
Carbs 8.0g
Fat 10.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

frying pan pot colander

Presentation Guide

Vessel: flat plate

Garnishes: sliced chilli, lemon wedge

Accompaniments: pap, bogobe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Soak dried mopane worms in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess water.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a pan, fry onion until golden.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes, curry powder, and chilli. Cook 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add mopane worms, stir well, and fry for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

  5. 5

    Season with salt and serve.

💡

Did You Know?

Mopane worms contain more protein per gram than beef and are considered a sustainable superfood that has fed southern Africans for millennia.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • frying pan
  • pot
  • colander

Garnishing

sliced chilli, lemon wedge

Accompaniments

pap, bogobe

The Story Behind Phane

Phane harvesting is an ancient practice tied to the mopane woodlands of northern Botswana. Communities gather the large green caterpillars during the rainy season, gut and dry them for year-round nutrition. The phane harvest is a major economic and cultural event in districts like Francistown and the North-East.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed snack or side dish, especially during harvest season 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial, ancient gathering tradition

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