How to Cook Busala: Zambian Food Recipes

Busala sometimes known as Lusala is a root vegetable commonly found in the Southern part of Zambia. It is a dish authentic to Zambia. The English name is not well known but the scientific name is Dioscorea hirtiflora. (Food Composition Report 1311 2007)

The recipe we are making today is a very simple but healthy dish. We are going to call it “Busala in gravy dish”, and it can be served with nshima or potatoes.

It can be served with rice too though the dish tends to have a certain sliminess that makes it not so much fun to eat with rice.

But first, let’s look at;

Busala is a root vegetable therefore it contains some dietary fibre that is good for overall health. It also helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart diseases

They are different ways of how to cook busala that is by using groundnuts, boiling or mixing it with some other food like Kapenta or beef.

For this recipe, you will need;

3 handfuls of busala/lusala roots

A Fresh red pepper

Fresh yellow pepper

Some fresh green pepper

2 medium sized tomatoes

1 medium sized onion

3 tablespoons vegetable cooking oil

Salt

BBQ Spice (or any seasoning of your choice)

1. Wash and clean the busala/lusala roots on running water

Put in the pot with a tablespoon of oil and salt and boil the busala for 30 minutes

Transfer the busala into a pan with a teaspoon of oil

Cover with a lid for 2 minutes then stir

Add in your tomatoes, onions, peppers and seasoning

Stir continuously for 5 minutes and add 1/2 cup of water

Allow to simmer till you have thick appealing gravy

Ready to serve

Enjoy & Happy Eating!