By Lilian Ntege
This traditional Ugandan dish is a healthy, flavorful combination of sour egg plants (locally known as entuula) and bitter berries (katunkuma). Steamed in banana leaves, it captures the earthy, tangy taste of fresh ingredients that are perfect as a side or main when paired with matooke, sweet potatoes or your favorite meal. Below is the procedure on how to prepare it.
Ingredients
• 10-12 egg plants (entuula)
• 1 cup bitter berries (katunkuma)
• 4-5 large banana leaves
• Banana Fibres
• 2 big Onions
• Salt ( optional)
Procedure
• Prepare your banana leaves, then lay the banana fibres in the bottom of a luwombo pot or deep saucepan, then place banana leaves on top, this usually forms a natural steaming bed.
• Wash the vegetables and then slice the Egg plants into your desired pieces, then after add the sliced egg plants and bitter berries on the leaves.
• Wrap and fold the banana leaves over the vegetables and tie with banana fibres to seal the luwombo so that it’s intact.
• Place the wrapped bundle in a saucepan and steam over medium heat until the vegetables are tender for about 30 minutes.
•:When ready carefully unwrap the bundle, transfer the contents to a dish, grate the onion over the top and mix everything together.
• You can now serve hot with matooke, sweet potatoes or any meal of your choice.
