Favorite Malawian Fried White Ants recipe by Anjimile Mtila Oponyo

This is usually served as an ndiwo, but can be eaten as a snack. Many volunteers compare it to popcorn.

1 cup day-old white ants (these are large termites, in the winged stage)
½ cup water
2 Tbs. margarine
salt to taste

• Clean ants by removing wings and any foreign matter.
• Place insects in salted water and boil over high heat until water has evaporated.
• Reduce heat and add margarine.
• Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve immediately

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Mandasi Malawi recipe by Anjimile Mtila Oponyo

Donuts! These are commonly sold by women in the market or at bus stations to earn a little extra income.

2 cups flour (all-purpose wheat four)
pinch of salt
2 tsp. Baking powder
2 Tbs. sugar
1 beaten egg
1 cup milk or water
oil for frying

• Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
• Add sugar, egg, and milk and beat until smooth.
• Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning once.
• Drain and enjoy.

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Rice Phala recipe by Anjimile Mtila Oponyo

Another variation on breakfast porridge.

1 cup uncooked rice
2 ½ cups water
½ tsp. salt
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp. margarine
sugar

• Bring water to a boil and add rice.
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Add milk and butter, cover and cook until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Add sugar to taste.

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