Entree: Uganda – Malewa (Braised smoked bamboo shoots cooked in a savory peanut-tomato sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 55 min

Additional 30 min

Total 1 hr 40 min

Ingredients

- 2 lb (900 g) smoked bamboo shoots (malewa), rinsed and chopped into 1–2 inch (2.5–5 cm) pieces
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion (about 6 oz / 170 g), finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic (about 9 g), minced
- 2 medium tomatoes (about 10 oz / 280 g), chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) smooth peanut butter or ground peanut paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) water, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 small hot pepper (about 5 g), finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. If the smoked bamboo shoots are very dry or salty, soak them in warm water for 20–30 minutes, then rinse. Place the shoots in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer until tender when pierced, about 20–40 minutes depending on thickness. Drain and set aside.
2. In a heavy skillet or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped hot pepper if using and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce, about 6–8 minutes.
4. In a bowl, whisk the peanut butter with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water until smooth. Pour the peanut mixture into the pan with the tomatoes, stirring to combine.
5. Add the drained bamboo shoots to the peanut-tomato sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce coats the shoots. Add additional water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice if using. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving. Serve hot with posho (maize meal), matooke, or boiled yams.