Have you treid Omena? If you live in Tanzania or Kenya, you probably have already seen, if not tasted. Generally, Omena, when made right, is delicious, rich, and nutritious. We are here, though, to show you how to cook omena.
There are different ways to make it; you can make it into stew, dry it, or wet fry it. Whichever way you like to make it, best believe it will be delicious. I like the burst of flavors on my tongue.
Moreover, it’s one of those go-to recipes because you will need just the basic ingredients in your pantry. It’s another one of the best ways to get the Omega nutrients on a budget. When you can’t eat fish, you can eat omena and enjoy the taste and nutrients.
What is omena?
Omena is a silver cyprinid that some people refer to as the lake victoria sardines. It’s also biologically referred to as Rastrineobola argentea. Some people refer to them as anchovies, and although they are both small fish, they differ slightly.
The name Omena is from the Luo tribe, and it refers to the small fish that, when fresh from the lake, assume a silverish color. To some people, it’s what they refer to as sardines.
In Tanzania, though, unless you are from Tarime and those areas occupied by Luos, they refer to it as dagga, and in Uganda, they call it Mukune. It’s one of those options that, although a traditional meal, we still enjoy today. Usually, they are allowed to sun dry as a method of preservation.
This meal is common in Lake Victoria, particularly among the Luos around Lake Victoria. It’s one of the most affordable meals today, rich in protein and omega 3. Whenever you mention Luo cuisine, this Omena has to come to mind.
By the end of this piece, you will be surprised that even though you may not yet know how to make Omena, it’s the easiest recipe.
How to Cook Omena
There are different methods to cook Omena, as you will see, but one thing is definite if you know how to make it, it will be all delicious.
Here we will show you a few of the best and easiest methods to cook Omena. You can use the simplest way or go even more complex.
The omena stew
I had to start with this method because it reminds me of my late grandma. She had this unique, delicious, and rich omena that my dad praises to date. Even non-omena lovers would enjoy this style of omena. Mind you; I rarely ate omena before this.
I know the most common one is the dry-fried style of omena, but you can always make the stew. Any cooked omena style goes well with Ugali, but nothing beats the taste of the creamy stew with the ugali in your mouth.
Ingredients
- Omena
- tomatoes
- onions/spring onions
- milk/cream
- fish curry
- salt
Method
This may be the easiest omena to make and yet the most delicious. Most people make it using the dry fry method these days, but you don’t have to if you like it with stew.
Clean it
Clean your omena. This includes checking that it doesn’t have dirt and debris before you wash it. I mean, washing it is just pouring in water to clean it. Set it in the saucepan, ready to cook.
Boil it
Now set it on fire the traditional way (3 stones fire) if you are cooking it the traditional way or just on your gas stove. Allow it to cook for 30-45 minutes. Traditionally, my grandma would let hers cook for up to 2 hours, and if you would like to do it the old ways, you’re welcome to try.
I mean, there’s a difference in taste. But don’t cook it in the pressure cooker. It just spoils everything. I know someone may be tempted to set it in a pressure cooker. This is one of those meals we only cook the traditional way.
Once ready, drain the remaining excess water into another bowl, as you will need it when frying again.
Now fry it
When it’s ready, go to the next step, frying it.
Prepare your veggies, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. If you like the spices, you will use salt and oil.
Set a clean saucepan on the gas stove or fire, and then add olive oil to start the cooking.
Next, add the onions and let it brown or cook to translucent. If you like, then you can add the garlic, although I don’t do so.
Add in your tomatoes and let them cook down or soften. If you like can also puree it. Next, you can add your favorite spices or bell peppers if you want to add them.n Of course, each veggie has a distinctive taste, and even the bell peppers will make your omena much better.
Now add the drained Omena and toss it in the mix of tomatoes. Finally, you can add the sauce from the boiled omena we drained. Give it time to cook; usually, about 10 minutes is fine. You can add cream or milk to finish the process for even more flavor.
@edelquinn23My Easiest Omena stew. For all the dagaa lovers have you tried the stew one yet?♬ original sound – Edel
Traditionally, we served it with our favorite chili or cooked it in the stew. But of course, if there are kids who will enjoy the stew and don’t eat chili, skip it.
METHOD 2
Another common method to cook the omena is to wet fry it. Almost anyone you see on social media wet fries eat or dry fries it. This is the easiest as it takes less time than the other process.
Clean the Omena
Clean your omena to ensure you get rid of all the stones that may be present. And, of course, you can as well use similar ingredients. Next, wash it in cold water to clean out the debris.
Add boiling water
For this method, add boiling water to the omena and let it sit for about five minutes. Usually, we also sprinkle lemon into this water as its settles.
Drain the excess water and then set it the omena aside. For this water, then, you will need to discard it.
Fry it
Now let’s fry it by adding the olive oil to the saucepan and then adding the omena to the saucepan to fry it. Keep tossing it for about five minutes. We want it to mix well with the oil. Mind you; though, we aren’t using a lot of oil.
Now add the chopped onions. Allow it to be brown but keep tosing the omena to ensure it cooks right.
Add your bell peppers and let them cook before you add the chopped tomatoes. Keep cooking it for a few minutes to allow the tomatoes to break. At this point, you can add in your favorite spice or then also add in the salt.
Toss it more, and then serve it with your favorite Ugali and vegetables.
FAQs
But why is my omena bitter?
Sometimes it has nothing to do with the preparation rather than the harvest. Some omena types are just bitter, but others aren’t cooked right. It won’t be very pleasant if you don’t cook it right.
When soaking it, especially the ones you intend to dry or wet, fry, then add lemon juice. This will usually reduce the bitterness and the pungent smell too. I know many people who don’t eat it because of the strong smell, but if you cook it right, you will love it.
What should I do to the leftovers?
The first thing you should do is add the omena to an airtight container. Next, set it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If you want it to last longer, leave it in the freezer.
What else to eat with omena?
In East Africa, we only eat it with Ugali. I mean, its taste goes well with Ugali. I see they add it to pizza in Italy too, and if that works for you, then fine.
Is omena the same as anchovies?
They are not the same but, of course, the same family as anchovies and sardines. We already said omena is silver cyprinid.
Is Omena fish?
Yes, it’s a type of fish where the fish is smaller than the regular types.
Omena is one of the traditional Luo foods passed down through generations. As you can see, it’s versatile, allowing you to cook it differently. In this piece, we showed you how to cook omena, but how do you cook it at home?