Tiny sun-dried sardines from Lake Malawi, fried crisp with tomatoes and onions as a protein-rich relish.
Instructions
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1
Rinse dried usipa briefly.
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2
Fry in oil until crisp.
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3
Add onion and tomatoes.
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4
Add splash of water, simmer 10 minutes.
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5
Season and serve over nsima.
Did You Know?
Usipa are spread on reed mats along the lakeshore to dry in the sun, creating a shimmering silver carpet.
The Story Behind Usipa
Usipa are tiny sardine-like fish endemic to Lake Malawi that have been harvested by lakeshore communities for centuries using traditional fishing methods. The practice of sun-drying these small fish for preservation and trade has been an economic cornerstone of Lake Malawi's fishing villages since pre-colonial times. Rich in protein and calcium, usipa have historically been one of the most important and affordable sources of animal nutrition for inland Malawian communities.
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