East Africa · Soup
Matemba Msuzi (Dried Lake Fish and Tomato Broth)
A pungent, savory broth of sun-dried lake sardines simmered with ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and sharp chili.
The story
Originating along the shores of Lake Malawi and Lake Chilwa, Matemba Msuzi is a deeply comforting fish soup cooked daily across lakeside fishing villages and urban households. Sun-dried matemba (small freshwater lake fish) serve as an essential protein staple that stores well through every season. Experienced lakeside cooks know to dry-toast or scald the dried fish before simmering in broth to remove surface bitterness and grit without breaking apart the delicate whole fish.
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