🇳🇦 Namibian Cuisine

Ekaku

Fried Caterpillars

Prep Time 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 209 kcal

Crispy fried caterpillars seasoned with salt and chilli, a crunchy, protein-rich traditional snack harvested from wild bushes after the rains.

Ingredients

2 cups cleaned caterpillars (fresh or dried and rehydrated)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 small onion, diced

Instructions

1 If using dried caterpillars, soak in warm water for 15 minutes and drain.
2 Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
3 Add onion and fry until soft.
4 Add caterpillars and fry for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until crispy.
5 Season with salt and chilli flakes. Serve as a snack or side.

Did You Know?

During caterpillar season in northern Namibia, entire families head to the bush to harvest — it is both a food-gathering expedition and a social event.