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...
I still remember the first time I had a seafood dish that tasted so nice. It was in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the air was thick with the aroma of simmering broth. She had this way of blending spices and seafood so well that every bite felt like a warm hug. She never measured ingredients—just a pinch of this, a handful of that. But what made her dishes unforgettable was the rich, deep flavor of seafood. The crayfish, stockfish, and prawns worked magic in her pot, releasing a savory depth that no artificial seasoning could ever match. Years later, I found myself trying to recreate her recipes. But life got busy, and I didn’t always have time to source and...
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...
