HOW TO COOK

Let’s cook: Why your Omena is bitter and how to prepare it well

Omena usually has a bitter taste especially when you don’t cook them properly.

In Summary

•Omena is a Kenyan meal enjoyed by most people from the lakeside or coastal region.

•Here is how to make the bitter taste go away:

Omena from Lake Victoria /FILE
Omena from Lake Victoria /FILE

Omena is a Kenyan meal enjoyed by most people from the lakeside or Coastal region.

It is often identified with its silvery nature.

Omena usually has a bitter taste especially when you don’t cook them properly.

Here is how to make the bitter taste go away:

Preparation

Make sure you wash or soak your Omena in hot water for at least 5 minutes, to remove any dirt residue.

When the water is too dirty, repeat the process until the water is almost clear.

Then, squeeze off any excess water before transferring it to a clean container.

The warm water removes the dirt and smell.

Try boiling it for 4 minutes to eliminate the bitter taste. You can add in a freshly squeezed lemon.

To save you the hustle, you can buy packaged Omena in the supermarket or a nearby Soko and prepare it.

Ingredients

  • Omena
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt, black pepper to taste
  • Tomatoes, diced
  • Corriander, chopped
  • Onions, chopped
  • Garlic, Crushed

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in a sufuria over medium heat and add onions. Fry them until golden brown.

Step 2

Add in tomatoes and stir until they are tender and crushed. Add salt and black pepper to your desired taste.

Step 3

Add in the Omena, mix well, cover and cook for 4 minutes.

Step 4 (Optional)

Add in the chopped coriander leaves and stir for one minute.

Step 5

Remove from heat and serve over cold water or juice, squeeze lemon and enjoy!

Serve with Ugali, rice, spinach, managu or desired greens.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star