Egusi soup! The soup that brings back many childhood memories, mostly involving a mortar and pestle the size of my head and arms that felt like they were about to fall off. You see, my mum (aah, I love that woman) was a purist. Egusi soup wasn't Egusi soup unless you wrestled those stubborn melon seeds into submission with sheer brute force. Every Saturday afternoon goes the “thump thump thump” sound. It felt like a special dance to get ready for a delicious lunch. I would watch my mom's muscles bulge as she pounded seeds with a pestle, turning them into a yummy, yellow paste. It was cool to see, but a little scary too! Then came the part where...
Have you ever been captivated by the aroma wafting from a neighbor's kitchen? Like yummy spices warming up your whole house? That, my friend, is the magic of African food! Africa boasts a treasure trove of unique spices that elevate even the simplest dish. At Flourish Spices & African Food, we're passionate about bringing these flavors to your table. Let's explore some essential spices that will transform your cooking! Locust Bean Seasoning (Iru): The hero of many dishes, iru is a fermented locust bean with a deep, savory punch. This spice enriches everything from ogbono soup to egusi soup. A sprinkle of iru is all it takes to transform your dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Ogbono Soup Mix: Ogbono soup, a Nigerian classic, is a thick and...
It's Tuesday night, and I'm staring sadly at a pan of rather bland-looking chicken. I'd gone for the healthy route, grilling some skinless breasts, but something was missing. "This needs something," I mutter, poking a fork at the chicken. Then it hits me - how about I drizzle some hot pepper sauce made from roasted habaneros and African spices on it. Do you know habaneros have a reputation for being firecrackers? The roasted habanero added a smoky depth, and the blend of African spices created this incredible warmth that tickled my tongue. This wasn't just heat, it was flavor with a capital F. I drizzled some of the Flourish hot sauce over the chicken. The aroma that hit me was...
Easter is just around the corner! Guess you know what that means. Time for a delicious family feast! Yes, we know bunny cakes are a regular but you should try something new this season. Why not celebrate Easter the African way with vibrant spices, delicious rice, and sweet treats that will have your taste buds do a happy dance? Here are some menu ideas that will spice your Easter celebration, making it an unforgettable experience. Jollof Rice No Easter celebration is complete without the legendary jollof rice! The rich tomato base and aromatic blend of spices will have everyone digging in for seconds (and thirds!). You can pair jollof rice with salad, grilled chicken or fish. For that zesty touch,...
No doubt, rice is a staple in most homes and Jollof rice is the undisputed king of Nigerian cuisine. But forget the fancy jollof with all its bragging rights. Coconut rice is the OG. Imagine coming back from a hard day’s work and the aroma that hits you is sizzling onions with peppers popping and the creaminess of coconut milk. Following the scent, you see a steaming pot of coconut rice waiting to chase away your stress. You grab your first bite. It was pure magic. Then, you take some more because you can’t resist the burst of flavors that titillate your taste buds. Yes, that’s the feeling coconut rice gives. This dish isn't your basic one-note wonder. It's versatile,...
