Pucuk Paku Kubok @ Uban

Sword Fern (Nephrolepis acutifolia) 

Pucuk Paku Kubok or Uban

Until recent years, with the exception of the Ibans, not many knows that this wild sword fern are edible and organic vegetable and equally delightful as pucuk paku, or midin, although slightly bitter uncooked. This sword fern with scientific name Nephrolepis acutifolia can be found abundantly throughout the country. This wild fern has slowly start to get recoqnition through cross-cultural communication & close integration of the communities in Sarawak.

A simple cooking for this sword fern shall be stir-frying with belacan (shrimp paste). Sliced torch ginger can be added to add additional flavor to this dish. This vegetable are great as it is not easily overcooked, and it is crunchy too.

Pucuk Paku Kubok or Uban Goreng Belacan 
Sword Fern Stir-Fried in Shrimp Paste

Pucuk Paku Kubok@Uban Goreng Stir-Fried Belacan

Ingredient:
1. A handful of sword fern, cleaned and cut into 2inch (soft shoot only). Parboiled and drain if prefered.
2. Cooking base - pounded
3. 1/4 cup of anchovies
4. Salt to taste
5. Cooking oil for saute

Method:
1. Heat up oil. Fry anchovies and put aside
2. Saute the pounded cooking base until fragrant
3. Add sword fern and stir. If not parboiled, you may cook slightly longer than other ferns to reduce the slime texture and bitterness.
4. Add-in back the anchovies.
5. You may add-in a little bit of water if its too dry.
6. Season with salt to taste