Recipe: Wojape - trad rez (Berry Pudding)

Wojape, Berry Pudding

"Wojape (Wo-zha-pee) Traditionally served with Fry Bread, good stuff!........ Wojape is traditonal to the Sioux and other Northern Plains Nations, and it is a very old recipe. It was usually made with fresh wild berries collected while in season and we also used dried berries, preserved for use through the winter. The berries were mixed with sugar when it became available, and also flour, or arrow root, or some type of thickener.

In modern times, Wojape, like many other things, has been adapted to the availability of ingredients, and it is still as good today as I can rememer it being when I was a girl. It is usually eaten as a dessert with Fry Bread or as as a main course maybe with a hot cup of coffee...mmm... good stuff!"

WOJAPE (WO ZHA PEE)

5 lb. bag of frozen berrys (blueberry, raspberry, cherry or a bag of mixed berries)
8 cups of water
2 cups of sugar (sweet sand)
cornstarch or arrow root

To a 5 quart pot (enamel or stainless steel) add all the berries and smash them with a potato masher. (If you are fortunate enough to have a food processor this would work fine also. However, stop just short of puree, you want don't want it to turn in to soup, you want small pieces for texture.)

To the berry mash add the water and sugar. Lightly boil for about 15 to 20 minutes or until everything is cooked. Add cornstarch that has been disolved in cold water to thicken to the desired consistency.

Serve warm and eat with Fry Bread. Simply dip the bread into the Wojape and enjoy!

Source: Karin Eagle Baca