How to Cook Omena

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried omena
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 lemon or lime (for soaking and flavor)
• 1 cup water (or as needed)

Instructions:

1. Rinse and Soak the Omena:
   • Place the dried omena in a bowl and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove excess salt and any sand or debris.
   • Squeeze half a lemon or lime over the omena, mix, and let it soak in water for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove any remaining strong odor.
2. Drain and Dry the Omena:
   • After soaking, drain the omena and pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help it fry evenly.
3. Fry the Omena:
   • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add the omena and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Remove the omena from the pan and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
   • Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
   • Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down, forming a thick paste. You can add a little water if the mixture becomes too dry.
5. Add Spices:
   • Stir in turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine the spices with the tomato mixture.
6. Combine the Omena and Sauce:
   • Add the fried omena to the pan, stirring until it’s evenly coated with the sauce.
   • Add a little water if needed, cover, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Finish and Garnish:
   • Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with your favorite sides like ugali, rice, or chapati.

Tips for the Perfect Omena

• Soaking: This step is essential to reduce any strong odor and improve flavor.
• Frying First: Frying the omena before adding it to the sauce helps to bring out a crunchy texture and reduces the fishiness.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding a touch of cumin, paprika, or curry powder for extra flavor.