Every day when I walk around Uganda, I see people with big buckets full of simsim balls. The small ones are usually priced at about 200 shillings, and the larger ones go for around 500 shillings. I can’t help but buy a simsim or two whenever I see a vendor because they’re super easy to eat and really tasty. That’s why I decided to learn how to make them myself, and honestly, I was surprised at how simple it is to make them.
Question for Ugandans… Do you see SimSim as a snack, dessert or a sweet?
What are SimSim Balls?
Ugandan simsim balls, also known as “simsim” in Uganda, are traditional snacks made primarily from sesame seeds (also known as simsim) and combined with sugar to form a sweet treat. The sesame seeds are roasted and then mixed with melted sugar to bind them together. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and allowed to cool and harden.
Simsim balls are popular for their nutty flavor and crunchy texture, and they are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They are rich in nutrients, as sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. In Uganda and other parts of East Africa, simsim balls can be found in markets and are a common street food option.
Ingredients
- 2 Glass of Sugar.
- 4 Glass of Roasted Sesame Seeds.
Steps of making SimSim Balls
- Begin by heating sugar in a frying pan over high heat until it completely melts and there are no lumps left. Don’t forget to keep stirring as it melts.
- Once the sugar has melted, pour in the sesame seeds one cup at a time. Make sure to mix the sugar and seeds really well before you add the next cup of sesame seeds.
- Turn off the heat.
- Once the mixture has cooled down enough to handle start rolling it into balls. Don’t take too long, or it will harden quickly, making it difficult to shape them.
- If you’re having trouble rolling them into balls because they’re too stiff, you can heat them up for a few seconds to make it easier to shape them again.
It’s as simple as that, and now you have a tasty dessert to enjoy!