🇷🇼 Rwandan Cuisine

Sambaza

Fried Lake Sardines

Prep Time 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 264 kcal

Tiny silver sardines from Lake Kivu, lightly seasoned and fried until crispy, eaten whole as a protein-rich snack or meal accompaniment.

Ingredients

1 Rinse sambaza, drain well, and pat dry with clean towels.
2 Season with salt and pepper, then toss lightly in cornmeal until evenly coated.
3 Heat oil in a frying pan to medium-high and fry sambaza in batches for two minutes per side until crispy and golden.
4 Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges and ugali.

Did You Know?

Lake Kivu's sambaza are attracted to light, and fishermen use lanterns at night to draw massive schools to their nets.