News — Salem Oregon African Food RSS



African Dishes You Can Make with Palm Oil

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...

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Mama Olowo's Secret: How Crayfish Powder Takes Your African Cooking to the Next Level

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...

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Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day: Unleash the Powerhouse in Your Plate!

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...

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How I Conquered Egusi Cravings (You Too Can!)

I was facing a dilemma. My aunt was coming to visit, and her love for egusi soup is massive. But how could I indulge her cravings while staying true to my keto lifestyle? Inspiration struck: keto fufu! Using almond flour and psyllium husk, I created a fluffy, low-carb alternative that would be the perfect side for the rich egusi.The result? Amazing! The egusi was a blast, thanks to the crayfish powder, cow leg, ponmo, and dry fish. Guess what? Each mouthful was a delight. I gobbled the whole plate of keto fufu and egusi in no time. This was a win for my macros and taste buds. Want to experience this delicacy? Explore our website for the ingredients.   Besides...

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Straight From Mom's Kitchen: Brilliant Hacks That'll Change Your Cooking Game

If there's one thing moms are pros at, it's finding shortcuts and smart kitchen hacks to get delicious homemade meals on the table faster. Their mad multitasking skills and wisdom from years of meal-prepping, lunch packing, and putting out dinner fires (sometimes literally) make them the ultimate kitchen lifehackers. Here are some kitchen tips and tricks that stellar mom chefs and food bloggers swear by.  Dedicate a couple of hours on the weekend to chopping vegetables, prepping ingredients, and even pre-cooking some staples like shredded chicken. Portion them into containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver! Steam them in minutes for a healthy side dish or toss them into stir-fries and soups. You can add...

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