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...
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....
Have you ever stopped to wonder about the secret ingredients that give your favorite African dish its unique flavor profile? Today, we're delving into the world of a tiny seed with a long and fascinating history: fenugreek! A Spice with Ancient Roots Fenugreek seeds weren't just discovered by modern chefs. Evidence suggests they were popular for their culinary and medicinal uses in ancient Egypt, possibly even during the time of the pyramids! Fast forward thousands of years, and this golden spice graces tables across the globe. It's a star ingredient in Indian curries, a component of European medicines, and even finds its way into beauty products. More Than Just Flavor Fenugreek isn't just another spice that adds a kick to...
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...
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,...
