Phane Worms with Pap

Botswana · Sub-Saharan Africa

Short description: This protein-rich plate pairs chewy seasoned caterpillars with a firm maize starch used for scooping sauce and bites together.
Ingredients: Dried caterpillars are rehydrated and cooked with tomato, onion, chile, and oil, then served with stiff maize porridge.
Cultural note: Harvested seasonally from mopane trees, the caterpillars are dried for storage and later cooked into a savory everyday or market meal.
Common misconception: They are caterpillars, not earthworms, and are often dried before being cooked.

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