Growing up in Nigeria, the flavors and foods of West Africa were an integral part of Ola Elkanah's life. However, when she first moved to Salem, she found it nearly impossible to access the ingredients she needed to cook authentic African meals.Things like palm oil, fufu flour and other staples were largely absent from grocery stores in the area. Any time Ola wanted to make classics from her childhood like jollof rice or egusi soup, she would need to make a trek down to Portland to hunt for what she needed.It was out of frustration with these long food finds that Ola had the idea to start sourcing African ingredients herself. In 2010, she launched Flourish Spices with the goal...
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....
The new school year is upon us! Backpacks are prepped, notebooks are pristine, and excitement fills the air. But amidst the new schedules and early mornings, one question looms: what to pack in the lunchbox? Remember those days of sad, soggy sandwiches and wilted fruit? We've all been there. This year, ditch the lunchbox blues and opt for a world of flavors with a back-to-school African food fiesta! Imagine the look on your child's face when they open their lunchbox to find: Akarapancake Stacks:These fluffy Nigerian pancakes, made with beans, are packed with protein and taste incredible drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. They're the perfect sweet and satisfying way to start the day. Drop Donut Delights: These...
Remember those Saturday mornings as a kid? Cartoons blaring on TV, sunshine peeking through the curtains, and the most delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. For many of us in Nigeria, that aroma meant one thing: breakfast was calling! Who can forget the fluffy moin moin, the steaming hot ogi, or the crispy akara dipped in pepper sauce? These meals were pure comfort, a taste of tradition passed down through generations. But let's be honest, the prep work? Not so fun. Washing mountains of beans, painstakingly milling them by hand – it was a labor of love, for sure, but also a time commitment not everyone has these days. We get it. You crave the taste of home, the memories...
Fall is right around the corner. Can you feel the gradual change in season? The trees are teasing me with an appetizer of their magnificent display of autumn hues - I can’t wait for the main course. Have you spotted any green leaves shifting to blazing yellow or burnt orange? It is a thrill to catch the first volunteer leaves parachuting from their mother tree. I hope you are enjoying the little magical moments that happen all around us. What makes you fall in love with fall? I love going outside in the morning to breathe in the sweet autumn air; it is crispy and cool with refreshing hints of fir trees and fallen apples. In African culture, food is...
