BOTSWANA MAGWINYA

Season 2 Episode 14

 A good way to explore the culture of a country is trying the traditional cuisine of a country. 

Let’s look at a snack and drink popularly made and consumed in Botswana and the method of preparation.

Magwinya

This is a unique deep fried doughnut eaten at the Southern part of Africa by Botswanians and South Africans.

Ingredients

• Baking flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Water
  

Method of Preparation

1. Put some cups of flour into a jar, add little quantity of warm water and stir thoroughly.
2. Add some quantity of warm water into a bowl and add the yeast and stir.
3. Add salt, sugar to the stirred flour and stir.
4. Pour the yeast into the flour and mix thoroughly. 
5. Knead the dough with your hands for some minutes.
6. After kneading, cover the dough in a bowl for some time and then roll the dough to prevent the dough from sticking.
7. Cut the dough and fry in hot oil until it turns light brown.
   
   

Gemere (Ginger Beer)

Home-made ginger beer is the most popular drink among locals in Botswana.

Ingredients

• Water
• Ginger
• Sugar
• Yeast
  

Method of Preparation

1. Grate the ginger into tiny pieces using a grinder.
2. Sieve the grated ginger using a cloth sieve to collect the ginger juice.
3. Pour the ginger into a container, add sugar and yeast and stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast.
4. Cover the container and allow to remain at room temperature for a few hours or days.
5. Chill the ginger beer with ice cubes and serve chilled.
   
   

Written and edited by Ebenezer Oladokun