Ever dreamt of experiencing Africa in your cooking? It all starts with a trip to the market, but luckily, you don't need a plane ticket! Let's embark on a journey through the world of African vegetables, transforming your kitchen into a celebration of flavor. You're walking through the bustling Lagos market feeding your eyes with goods displayed. Then, you're met with the aroma of sizzling grills and spice blends. Moving close to the source of smell, your eyes are drawn to overflowing stalls, but it's the mountains of fresh produce that truly steal the show. Pyramids of vegetables in every color beckon you closer. This is a gateway to a whole new world of culinary experiences. We're talking about the...
The kitchen was smoky and filled with the warm aroma of spices and sauce. Aunty Funke, a matriarch with hands seasoned by years of cooking was at it again. She was stirring a pot of rich egusi, seafood and leafy greens simmered in palm oil base. The palm oil made it a beautiful sight to behold! Palm oil is the heart and soul of countless African dishes, passed down through generations. This versatile ingredient adds layers of flavor and texture to different dishes. Here are some popular African dishes cooked with palm oil: Native Jollof Rice This is a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, and protein (chicken, beef, fish, or vegetables). Palm oil gives jollof rice its signature reddish color and...
My grandma, Mrs Bernice Adeosun (Mama Olowo) was a sorceress in the kitchen. Her stews always simmered with a depth of flavor that tickle my taste buds. The secret? A seafood – crayfish. Now, I know what you might be thinking. Crayfish? Isn't that just a smaller cousin of lobster? Well, yes, but in the world of African cuisine, it's so much more. It increases the aroma of food and elevates a simple dish to a masterpiece. Crayfish is either used whole or grounded into powder for seasoning all sorts of dishes. Here's how to incorporate crayfish into your dishes: Soups and stews: A little goes a long way! Add a handful of whole crayfish or a teaspoon of crayfish powder to your...
Remember that time you were a kid and refused to eat anything but chicken nuggets, mac and cheese? We've all been there. But those days are behind you, right? (Hopefully!) May 21st is Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, a day dedicated to reminding us all about the world of delicious and nutritious options that surrounds us. Imagine bustling through the marketplace and you're met with the sweet, pungent aroma of ripe mangoes. Then, you caught the sight of plump, red tomatoes, green okra and yellow plantains which excites your taste buds. But beyond the dazzling displays, there's a powerful truth: fruits and vegetables are nature's powerhouses. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourishes our body. They boost our...
Hello my food tribe, I am so happy to be back with my food tales. There is something about cheap food being very delicious. Please come with me as I remember growing up in Nigeria during my elementary school years. My parents will give us money to buy cooked food for lunch, since they are not around in the afternoon. One day I asked my Aunty Yemi what else we can do with the money without buying cooked food. She said okro or okra soup. Yes with two naira (less than 1 cent) we went to the market bought okro, grilled mackerel or titus fish , a few chili peppers palm oil and seasonings. We cooked and enjoy with Eba(fufu)...
