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Cisense (Crispy Sun-Dried Tiny Sardines Relish)
Crisp sun-dried freshwater sardines flash-fried with aromatic red onions and gently stewed in a rich, savory tomato reduction.
The story
Harvested abundantly from Lake Bangweulu and Lake Mweru, cisense is an indispensable staple among the Bemba and Bisa peoples of Northern Zambia. Consumed as an essential everyday relish (dende) alongside steaming mounds of white maize nshima, it offers a deeply economical yet nutrient-dense protein source. Historically, the sun-curing on lake shores concentrates natural glutamates, requiring a swift dry toast or rapid shallow fry before saucing to eliminate residual bitterness and revive its crunchy texture.
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