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Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Togo Okra With Tomatoes Recipe

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Okra with tomatoes is a popular Togo African recipe convenient to make cooking with the traditions of the African diaspora. Hibiscus Esculentus or okra is of African originating from Ethiopia. Okra grows wild along the White Nile and the upper Nile country as well as in Ethiopia. From Ethiopia to North Africa, okra was cultivated in Egypt for many hundreds of years. One of the earliest accounts of okra is by the Spanish in Egypt in 1216.  As is true with a number of less popular vegetables, many people fail to appreciate okra. Okra is rarely cooked alone except when fried. Okra alone is considered too slimy.  Here is a delicious recipe using okra and tomatoes. The acid in the tomatoes counterbalance the natural goo of the okra and the soup become rich and thick. Togo Okra With Tomatoes Recipe Ingredients 1 pound fresh baby okra, washed, dried, stem ends trimmed very close to top, or use frozen thawed whole baby okra 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped on...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Sierra Leone 2035 Strong

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Sierra Leone’s Vision for 2013 to 2035 is to become a middle-income country Before the Ebola outbreak, Sierra Leone was on track to overcome its troubled past. The countries Ebola epidemic threatened to stop the progress of Sierra Leone economic and social growth. The post-Ebola recovery period is proving challenging.  Sierra Leone’s Vision for 2013 to 2035 is to become a middle-income country, be an inclusive, green country, with 80% of the population above the poverty line, have gender equality, a well-educated, healthy population, good governance and rule of law, well-developed infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, with private-sector, export-led growth generating wide employment opportunities; there would be good environmental protection, and responsible natural resource exploitation. The post-Ebola recovery period could prove challenging but the small African nation since the end of the civil war in 2002 has found the strength and resources to inch by inch re establish...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Slow Cooker Lamb Vegetable Stew

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What is lamb? Lamb is meat from young sheep less than 12 months old; lamb tastes like a lamb, which is tender and mild in flavor. The flavor of lamb is often characterized as tender and mild, with a hint of gaminess. The tenderness of lamb meat is a result of its youth, as younger animals tend to have more tender flesh compared to older ones. If your family is trying lamb for the first time, slow cooker lamb stew is the perfect meal. Slow Cooker Lamb and Vegetable Stew Slow Cooker Lamb Vegetable Stew Ingredients 2 pounds lamb stew meat, or cubed lean boneless lamb 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and seeded, chopped 1 diced carrot 2 medium potatoes 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 teaspoons salt 1 garlic clove, crushed 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves 1 bay leaf 2 cups chicken stock 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour Directions Place lamb and vegetables in a slow cooker. Mix salt, garlic, thyme, an...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Not Being Anyone's Fool African Proverbs

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African proverbs that make you think. I will not be your fool any more African proverbs explains to us that sometimes it is hard to know if you are being taken for granted. Not Being Anyone's Fool African Proverbs Not being anyone's fool African proverbs convey the message that you must not fool yourself. After being fooled once, read wise relationship African proverbs and be wary so you cannot be tricked again. African Proverbs Good looking fruit could be rotten inside Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. No hyena deserves to be entertained twice. Denial cannot hide cigarette smoke. The wise chief does not eat from two sides. An honest enemy is better than a best friend who lies. He who smiles too much with you will frown too much with you at your back. The good looking fruit could be rotten inside. Ashes are a result of a fire. A friend's eye is a good mirror. An honest enemy is better than a be...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes, Facts, and Legends Abound About the African Marula Tree

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The South African marula fruit and oil are edible and loved by humans and animals, especially the warthog, elephant, waterbuck, giraffe, and kudu all eat the fruit, nut, and leaves of the tree. Recipes, Facts, and Legends Abound About the African Marula Tree Recipes and legends abound on the multiple uses of the marula tree bark, leaves, fruits, nuts, oil, and kernels. Nonalcoholic drinks, wines, teas, spices, oils, and medicines are all created using the Marula Tree of Southern Africa. South African marula fruit  Eswatini Marula Festival A popular drink in eSwatini (formally known as Swaziland) is Buganu also known as marula wine. The third weekend in February is a popular time for the people of Eswatini because this kicks off a celebration of the beginning of the marula fruit season and the week-long Marula Festival.  The Marula Festival is a tradition-filled with song and dance and Brewing of marula wine. The ki...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Delicious Chicken Groundnut Stew

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African food is delicious; recipes are full of flavor and spice lovingly prepared by African families for generations. Learn how to cook 30-minute healthy chicken groundnut stew African food recipe tonight. Chicken Groundnut Stew is a popular street foods in Africa Groundnuts are used as food and for cooking oil. The seeds in Africa are popularly used for thickening soups and stews and as a seasoning. The groundnut taste like chickpeas with a very mild flavor. Delicious Chicken Groundnut Stew Recipe Ingredients 2 pounds cut up chicken legs 1 medium onion, sliced 1 medium red or green pepper, chopped 1 cup peanut butter 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch circles 1 teaspoon. salt 1 teaspoon red pepper flake Salt to taste 1 teaspoon tomato paste Water Directions Boil chicken in about 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Boil until chicken is done; remove from saucepan. Add onion, chopped pepper, tomato paste, salt, and cayenne pepper to chicken broth. Cook for...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.