There’s something sacred about the sound of a pot bubbling on the stove. Ask anyone who grew up around real home cooking, and they'll tell you — it's not just about food. It’s about moments. Laughter shared while peeling yams, grandma humming while turning the ogbono, the aroma of pepper soup sneaking through every corner of the house. Homemade meals hold memories. I remember the days growing up. My mum would start cooking early — the kind of early where dew was still clinging to the grass. You’d wake up to the sharp scent of blended ata rodo and tomatoes already frying in hot oil. You knew it was going to be a good day, because rice and stew were...
Jollof rice, a popular West African dish, is known for its vibrant colors and delicious taste. But even the most experienced cooks can encounter challenges when preparing this culinary masterpiece. To help you create the perfect Jollof rice, we've compiled some handy hacks that will take your cooking to the next level. The Secret to Perfect Jollof Rice The Tomato Base The foundation of jollof rice lies in the tomato paste. For a rich, deep flavor, opt for high-quality tomato paste and cook it down with onions and peppers until it thickens and caramelizes. Ensure you don't use too much tomato paste as this can lead to a bitter and overpowering flavor. The Parboiling Power Parboiling your rice before adding it...
In our previous post, we explored the world of pepper from cayenne pepper to bell pepper and scotch bonnet. Today, we're continuing our spicy journey with three more captivating peppers: habaneros, white pepper, and black pepper. Habaneros Habaneros, known for their bright orange color and intense heat, are a staple in many Latin American cuisines. With a Scoville heat unit rating that can reach up to 350,000, habaneros are not for the faint of heart. Their flavor profile, however, is surprisingly complex, often with fruity or floral notes that balance the heat. It’s suitable for spicy sauces, stews, and vegetable soups. Habaneros also double as a spice for marinating chicken or meat stock and pepper soup. White Pepper Unlike black pepper, which is made...
Lafenwa stew. This stew is a tribute to my Grandma. Mrs Bernice Adeosun. (Also known as mama olowo , Iya Bose , Iya sanjo, Iya yemisi, Iya Funlola and Iya Ibeji. She is the best cook and disciplinarian close to me. Back to my stew . If you ever attended boarding school in Nigeria, you will understand why my Grandma is an angel. She will just show up at my school from the village with this stew and ofada rice. I guess she knows much about food canning and preservation. She will put the stew in an empty milo can with lid on. This is to preserve the stew. She shows up when you are broke , down to nothing,...
