Mashonzha — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

A traditional Southern African delicacy of dried mopane worms (caterpillars) cooked with tomatoes, onions, and chili, a high-protein food with deep cultural significance.

Ingredients

2 cups dried mopane worms
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, diced
2 green chilies, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp curry powder
1 cup water
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1 Soak the dried mopane worms in warm water for about 20 minutes until they plump up, then drain and rinse them thoroughly.
2 Heat oil in a large pan and saute the diced onion until golden, then add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and curry powder, cooking until the tomatoes break down.
3 Add the soaked mopane worms to the pan with a cup of water, stir well, and simmer covered for about 15 minutes until the worms are tender and have absorbed the sauce.
4 Season with salt, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve as a main dish with pap or sadza for a truly authentic Southern African meal.

Did You Know?

Mopane worms contain three times more protein than beef per gram and are harvested from mopane trees, supporting a multi-million dollar industry across Southern Africa.