Malewa A Steple Delicacy For Bagisu
Malewa is a local name in Gishu for edible bamboo shoots in Uganda. The Bamboo shoot is obtained from Mt. Elgon, found along Uganda’s border with Kenya in Mbale District. It is therefore a traditional Ugandan dish that is prepared using bamboo shoots. The bamboo shoots are air-dried and smoked to preserve them and to give them a distinct flavour. Malewa is harvested throughout the year, but especially during the dry season. The cooked malewa is then mixed with groundnut sauce to make a tasty stew which can be enjoyed with Matooke, sweet potatoes or cassava.
ORIGIN OF MALEWA
According to the Bagisu Malewa was discovered during the Mt. Elgon clashes in the 16th and 17th centuries. A few migrants who came from South Africa sought refuge in the caves of the mountain Elgon. In search and need of food for survival, they discovered the young bamboo shoots which they discovered were edible.
Originally bamboo shoots were smoked before cooking. They later discovered a roasting technique that eliminated smoking. Currently cooked bamboo shoots malewa is commonly mixed with ground-nut sauce.
The malewa dish later attracted the attention of neighbouring towns like Pallisa, Kapchorwa, and the neigboring district of Tororo. Malewa is currently cooked and eaten at hotels and restaurants in Kampala today. The malewa bamboo shoots have a taste similar to that of forest mushrooms.
Encroachment of the mountainside by habitants and farmers has led to diminishing levels of bamboo shoots harvested from the mountains which are a threat to the food resources of the Bagisu people.
COOKING THE MALEWA BAMBOO SHOOTS
In a clean cooking pot, add water, rock salt or soda ash, and mix well to dissolve the rock salt or soda ash. Add your soft pieces of malewa, and boil for 30 minutes over moderate heat.
MIXING MALEWA AND GROUNDNUT STEW
Add your cooked malewa to the groundnuts stew and let it simmer together for 10 to 20 minutes on low heat to let the flavours mix.
This malewa groundnut stew is served and enjoyed with matooke, potatoes cassava, Rice or Posho by the Bagisu in Mbale.
Bamboo shoots may contain some harmful elements so you should cook them properly until they are ready.
SOME HEALTHY BENEFITS OF EATING MALEWA BAMBOO SHOOTS
Bamboo shoots have anti-cancer properties
Rich in phenolic acid which protects against heart complications
High in dietary fibre which helps boost digestion and aid in weight loss
When crushed and taken as juice, bamboo shoots can cure ulcers and stomach complications.
