East Africa · Side
Makaka (Reconstituted Dried Pumpkin Strips Stew)
Sun-cured pumpkin ribbons rehydrated and braised in a savory, nutty tomato and groundnut relish with a hint of garlic.
The story
Makaka represents the ingenious food preservation heritage of the Sena people residing in the lower Shire Valley of southern Malawi. Prepared at the close of the harvest season, mature winter pumpkins are peeled, cut into continuous spiral ribbons, and sun-dried on elevated reed mats to sustain families during lean dry months. The culinary secret lies in soaking the dried ribbons just until pliable and utilizing the flavorful rehydration liquor as the braising medium for a thick groundnut gravy.
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