Growing up in Nigeria, the flavors and foods of West Africa were an integral part of Ola Elkanah's life. However, when she first moved to Salem, she found it nearly impossible to access the ingredients she needed to cook authentic African meals.Things like palm oil, fufu flour and other staples were largely absent from grocery stores in the area. Any time Ola wanted to make classics from her childhood like jollof rice or egusi soup, she would need to make a trek down to Portland to hunt for what she needed.It was out of frustration with these long food finds that Ola had the idea to start sourcing African ingredients herself. In 2010, she launched Flourish Spices with the goal...
Every year, on October 22nd, nut lovers around the world come together to celebrate National Nut Day. It’s a day dedicated to appreciating these tiny powerhouses of nutrition that bring joy, crunch, and a splash of flavor to our meals and snacks. This year, let's take a crunchy journey that highlights the unique role nuts play in our diets, particularly in African cuisine, and how you can spice things up with Flourish Spices! Growing up, I was a picky eater, and nuts were definitely not on my list of favorites. But as I got older, I started to appreciate the unique taste and texture of almonds, walnuts, and cashews. I even discovered peanut butters, which made a delicious spread for...
There’s something magical about the warmth of a steaming pot of okro soup simmering on the stove. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, drawing family and friends together, ready to dive into a bowl of comfort. Growing up, my weekends revolved around helping my mom in the kitchen as she prepared this dish. I can still hear her laughter and the rhythmic sound of her chopping okro while sharing stories of our family’s heritage.However, I vividly remember the struggle of cutting okro—slimy fingers and little bits of green everywhere. It was enough to make me wonder if there was an easier way to enjoy this flavorful soup. Well, there is! Here are five hacks for cooking delicious okro soup without...
If you’ve ever made Moin Moin from scratch, you know it can be quite the task from peeling beans to blending everything just right. It’s no wonder some of us shy away from this beloved Nigerian dish. But what if I told you there are ways to make the process easier, faster, and even more fun? Yes, you heard right. Cooking Moin Moin doesn’t have to be a kitchen marathon. With a few smart hacks, you can make this savory bean pudding in little time, with less hassle, and still have it taste amazing. Ready to up your Moin Moin game? Let’s dive in! 1. Skip the Bean Peeling—Use Moin Moin Mix! Let’s face it, peeling beans is the least...
There’s something undeniably irresistible about a bowl of coconut rice. Its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and aroma transport you straight to a tropical paradise. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, mastering the art of coconut rice can take your meals to a whole new level. Let me share some tried-and-true hacks that will make your coconut rice the star of your next dinner party. The Story Behind the Coconut Rice Craze When I first tried making coconut rice, I had this notion of kitchens where every grain of rice danced in harmony with the rich, creaminess of coconut. My kitchen, on the other hand, was more of a battleground where my dreams of perfect coconut rice...
