4.9 from 183 votes
Mopane Worms
Mopane Worms are a traditional dish featuring cooked mopane caterpillars combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The worms are softened by boiling in water, then pan-fried until crispy before mixing with tender vegetables and seasoning. This preparation highlights the texture contrast between the crunchy worms and the softened vegetable blend, offering a richly textured and savory dish. Often served as a snack or alongside staples such as sadza and green vegetables, they provide a filling and unique protein source.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
African
Ingredients
- 500 g mopane worms or macimbi
- 2 liters water (about 2 quarts)
- 15 ml neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 3 g salt
- 1 clove garlic finely sliced
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1 onion chopped
Instructions
- Soak the dried mopane worms in 2 cups of hot water for 10 minutes to loosen them up.
- Prepare a pot with half the amount of water. Wash the worms thoroughly, add them to the pot and bring to a boil. Cook the worms for about 15 minutes.
- Bring another pot of water to boil and after the 15 minutes, use it to change the water the worms are cooking in. Simmer them for 20 more minutes then drain them well.
- Add the oil to a frying pan and add the worms, stirring them often for 10 minutes, until they become crispy.
- Then add in the chopped onion, garlic tomato and salt and, mix well and allow everything to cook together for 15 more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- There's so many ways to enjoy Mopane worms. Have them as a snack or with a side of sadza, green vegetables or your favourite salad.
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