How to make kamasikhisikhi (simsim butter) in three easy steps
How to make kamasikhisikhi, Luhya traditional simsim butter that is used when cooking stews and traditional vegetables the mulembe way.
Equipment
- Traditional African grain mortar and pestle
Materials
- 1 kg Roasted simsim
Instructions
- The preparation. Take your roasted simsim and do a quick sort just to ensure there are no impurities like insects, rocks and soil. Any impurities will alter the taste and we don’t want that.
- Roast the simsim over low to medium heat. To make good quality kamasikhisikhi, you will need to know how to roast simsim to perfection. Read: blow by blow guide on the art of the perfect roasted simsim
- Pound the simsims in a mortar with a pestle gently to a point it becomes paste. Depending on your preference, you can make it crunchy or smooth. This is also an opportunity to season with salt if you feel you need to add some more. Also throw in a few roasted peanuts if you fancy. I have added a few black pepper peppercorns for a bit of that kick in my final dish.
- Storing kamasikhisikhi. Remove the pounded simsim and store in an airtight container ready for use.