There I was, proudly stirring my pot of ogbono soup, humming along to Asa’s “Bibanke,” when I decided to taste my masterpiece. And then bam! Salt. Too. Much. Salt. My heart sank. I had been looking forward to that soup all day. But instead of panicking, I remembered something my mum used to say: “A good cook isn’t one who never makes mistakes, but one who knows how to fix them.” So, apron still on and hope still alive, I got to work. If you’ve ever over-salted your pot of stew, egusi, ogbono, or even jollof, you’re not alone. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to rescue your favorite African and Nigerian dishes when the salt is threatening to take...
Egusi soup, a staple in Nigerian cuisine, is a rich and tasty dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious. But let's face it, cooking egusi can be a bit tricky, especially for those new to the kitchen. That's why we've put together a collection of hacks to help you master this delicacy. The Secret to Smooth Egusi One of the biggest challenges in making egusi soup is achieving a smooth consistency without lumps. The secret lies in the preparation. Before adding the ground egusi to your pot, roast it lightly until it becomes fragrant. This step helps to break down the oil in the egusi, ensuring a smoother texture. Balance is Key Egusi soup is a combination of flavors....
Pepper. Just the word can send shivers down a child’s spine. For kids, it's the culinary villain, the fierce dragon that lurks in every spoonful of stew or soup. Yet, for adults, it's a culinary masterpiece a versatile spice that transforms dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Can you imagine a world without spice? Bland, boring, and utterly uninspiring. Thankfully, we live in a world of flavor, and Africa is one of its spice gardens. Let's take a walk through the world of peppers that ignite our taste buds. Bell Pepper This is the diplomat of the pepper world. Sweet, mild, and often the first taste of pepper for many, it’s a staple in salads, stir-fries, and stuffed dishes. Like its name, this...
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...
