Cooking a Dish from Uganda: Rolex

Uganda is a country that sits pretty high up on my bucket list of places to travel to. Like many travelers, that is for one reason: gorilla trekking. Uganda, the DRC and the Congo are of the few countries in the world where you can still see these magnificent creatures in the wild. While all of Africa calls me to visit, there is no doubting that there is something special about seeing these stunning creatures in the wild, and trekking through the jungles of Central Africa. So for this episode of EAT THE WORLD, I decided to cook Uganda.

What to eat in Uganda

So after searching the internet for a great meal from Uganda, I came across the Ugandan Rolex. It wasn't just me, this beauty had been plastered all over CNN for some reason too. There are videos online on how to make these, and it is really a quick, easy and simple meal to make. It is not a rolex watch. But rather a twist on the words "rolled eggs" which "with an accent" (maybe just the way people speak, we all have accents you know), sounds like Rolex. These quick and easy meals are a staple in street food, and very easily made on the spot. This recipe took me maybe 15 minutes max to cook.

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Recipe for Uganda's Rolex

Ingredients

2 eggs
1/4 cup tomatoes (thinly diced, no seeds)
1/4 cup green cabbage (thinly sliced)
1 Tbsp red onion (minced)
vegetable oil
1 large chapati (anything similar to roti will do)
salt
chilli pepper for optional spicing

Directions

Break eggs into a large mug and add cabbage, tomato, red onion and salt. Stir until combined.
Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat with oil.
Add the eggs and spread them out across the pan in a flat circle, cook until mostly set and bottom is brown.
Flip the eggs over and cook for a few more minutes. Place the chapati over the eggs.
Remove from the pan, and roll up when cool enough to touch.

Other people only add the vegetables after the eggs have cooked. It is your preference!

Movie Pairing: The Last King of Scotland

The Last King of Scotland is a well-known movie about Uganda and it's dictator President Idi Amin. Forrest Whitaker played Idi Amin and won several awards including best actor at the Oscars. The film follows the journey of a Scottish doctor in Uganda, who becomes the personal physician and confidante of the dictator. At first believing that the new President has the ability to make change in Uganda, he quickly realizes the atrocities that the President commits. The film follows his desperate attempts to flee from Idi Amin's grasp. It is an excellent film, although very disturbing in many aspects. The real life Idi Amin is considered to be responsible for the deaths of between 100 000 to 500 000 people in Uganda. Again, I find myself drawn into understanding the conflicts and destruction of countries I know very little about, and I am grateful to be able to understand and learn more about countries who have faced some of the most devastating and destructive events and leaders. These films serve as a starting point for education and learning, and often I find myself reading more and learning more as a result of watching these films. I hope that my journey has inspired you to do the same! Watch the Last King of Scotland on Amazon Prime Videos.

Movie Option 2: Imba Means Sing

On my trip home from South Africa, a few weeks after making this meal, I also watched the documentary IMBA MEANS SING on the plane back to the States. It follows the lives of three young children from the slums in Kampala, Uganda, who travel across America performing in in the African's Children's Choir. While I debate with myself about the psychological and social effects of taking children across America to perform for their scholarships, and plonking them back in the slums, (gosh, I am hoping that the organization did offer some kind of support for both families and children in terms of adjustments here!), it was incredible to see the drive of these three children. They are driven by their dreams to be doctors and pilots, and to give their families a better life. My trip back home was an inspiring one, because it put me back in touch with people who are just trying to get by and do more for their loved ones, every single day, despite their difficult living circumstances. This film resonated with me in that way, and these kids were just gorgeous! So if you are feeling a little bit heavy after watching the Last King of Scotland, perhaps Imba Means Sing will help! Watch Imba Means Sing on Amazon Prime Videos.

Traveling Ginger Verdict

Oh, Uganda! I am sorry! I did not enjoy this meal. That's not to say it's a bad one, but I just don't think I subscribe to the whole breakfast as a meal type vibe. Especially as I ate in the evening. Maybe that was my mistake. I just felt the flavor was a little too bland and the meal quite heavy for my liking. I bet it's better in Uganda for sure! I'll have to go there to try it out myself! And see the gorillas!

Rating: 4/10

Have you been to Uganda? Would you want to see the gorillas as well? Let me know in the comments below.