It was originally eaten as food and later it started to be cooked as a sauce when mixed with ground simsim (sesame seed) or peanuts.

Malewa is a major part of ceremonies in Bugisu e.g. Mbalu (circumcision), traditional weddings.

Rock salt is added to the boiled malewa to make it more tender.

Finally peanut paste and salt are added and the sauce is simmered to acquire taste.

The malewa sauce is served with Either matooke, cassava, sweet potatoes, rice or Posho.