ISHWA 'FLYING ANTS'

it looks like we are going to have late rains l believe we should take global warming seriously as it affects us and our environment badly.  this year in Zimbabwe has been very hot and rains are late and it seems like we going to have a drought of some sort. Ishwa is a good source of protein found in abundance during the rainy season. in the city just as the rains start during the night they are attracted by the light so l catch them right at my door step. at MBARE MUSIKA (VEGETABLE MARKET) they are sold fried.

1cup ishwa,salt to taste

remove wings by winnowing.Heat a saucepan and add the ants,. saute until you have a light golden brown colour for few minutes. they have fat already but you can add a little if you want. serve as a snack.

Tamarind in Zimbabwe is known as RUSIKA its eaten as a fruit or soaked in water to cook porridge, here is a simple porridge you can make. its known as Busika in Binga where its found in abundance.   it is believed to increase libido.

RUSIKA PORRIDGE (Tamarind Porridge)

15 pods rusika,150ml mealie meal, 3 cups water (750ml), sugar to taste

peel and soak the pods in 750ml water for 10mins. remove flesh from the pods using hands.  stir in the mealie meal and put on medium heat continuously until thick and lumps free. cover and cook for 15mins.  serve with sugar.

IM BACK

Its a very hot day in Zimbabwe and after my long absence from the block lam glad to be back and to announce too that the book is almost finish its been an exciting journey to me knowing that l have brought Zimbabwean cuisine to many kitchens and those who are abroad have long since missed traditional Zimbabwean  food today.