The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

African music is arguably the most influential music in all of mankind. Because music from Sub-Saharan Africa focused on communal singing, it was one of the earliest to emphasize the use of harmony and structured singing.  Though stringed instruments, bells, flutes and even xylophones were all used in traditional African music, there is nothing more important than the basic African hand drum. Sub-Saharan Music, n o music is more purely African than music that originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Though many regions were influenced by other nations, Sub-Saharan music remains quintessentially African. Because writing and reading came late to parts of Africa, this music was created as a form of communication. In time, it became an interesting and exciting, communal way to celebrate and mark several major milestones in a person's life. For example, there are literally hundreds of African songs and music that celebrate marriage, childbirth or even hunting parties. Music is also p...

Who is the ADEA and what do they do? The Association for Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) is an independent forum hosted by the African Development Bank for effective teaching and learning in Africa Association for Development of Education in Africa or ADEA was established in 1988 and is a forum for policy dialogue, composed of all the Ministers of Education in Africa and 14 development partners. ADEA’s charge to the governments of Africa is to communicate that the overhaul of education is in their control for effective teaching and learning in Africa.   ADEA’s functions are to assist with fostering communication between the countries and sharing research information. ADEA works in different areas of education; higher education, technical and vocational skills development, early childhood development, non-formal education, the teaching profession, information and communication technology, books and learning materials, education statistics, policy support, peace e...

In coastal communities across West Africa, fishing the ocean is a way of life and vital to providing incomes and nutrition, especially for the poor. West Africa waters are rich in fish of all varieties. Despite this fact,  from Nigeria to Ghana, to Senegal, the fishing industry in these countries still grapple with challenges that limit production capacity and by extension, ability to meet the daily nutrition needs of West African families. Over a billion people, most of whom are poor, depend on fish as a source of animal protein. Fish is the cheapest source of animal protein in the world and supports families by providing income, employment, and food security to West African communities.  West Africa is gifted with abundant fish resources, supplying over 50 percent of the world’s fishing resources. However, most West African countries import fish instead of relying on the countries rich fishing waters for food and employment. Although fishing in much of rural Africa ten...

Joseph Jenkins Roberts First President of Liberia. Congress made the importation of slaves into the United States illegal in 1808. Joseph Jenkins Roberts 1809-1876 the son of free blacks and the oldest of seven children was a wealthy Monrovia merchant who had emigrated in 1829 from Petersburg, Virginia, became the first black American Colonization Society (ACS) governor of Liberia Africa in 1841. In the year 1818 representatives were sent to West Africa to find a suitable location for the new “back to Africa” colony, but they were unable to persuade local tribal leaders to sell any territory. In 1820, 88 free black settlers and 3 society members sailed for Sierra Leone. They found shelter on Scherbo Island off the west coast of Africa. Congress made the importation of slaves into the United States illegal in 1808. In 1819, Congress passed an "Act in addition to the acts prohibiting the Slave Trade." Africans removed from slave ships by the U.S. Navy after the abolition...

The Taoudenni Salt Mines of Mali and Perfect African Salted Fish Recipe The Taoudenni Salt Mines of Mali and Perfect African Salted Fish Recipe Thousands of years ago, salt was more precious than gold. In northern Mali, the Taoudenni salt mines became one of Africa’s most valuable resources. This mineral shaped trade routes, powered desert economies, and still flavors African kitchens today. How Salt Is Made and Used in Africa Salt can be produced in three main ways: solar evaporation , artificial evaporation , and rock mining . Rock salt mining is one of the oldest methods. Salt forms in underground veins — ancient salt deposits left by seas and lakes that dried long ago. Salt may also be found in vaults , created when pressure pushed salt up through cracks in bedrock. For centuries, miners have cut rock salt deep beneath the Earth’s surface , where ancient waters once flowed. The Historic Taoudenni Salt Mines Salt scarcity once frightened people — it wa...

Waakye Rice and Beans Ghana Style    Waakye is a popular easy to make Ghanaian dish of rice and beans and is a meal itself or served as a side with boiled eggs, salad, grilled fish, chicken, goat, pasta or vegetables.    Prep time: 10 min  Cook time: 30 min  Total time: 40 min     Waakye Rice and Beans Ghana Style  Ingredients 2 cups white rice 2 15.5 ounce cans red beans 1 medium onion, chopped 2 teaspoons garlic salt 2 teaspoons shito (pepper) sauce or 1 chopped hot pepper ½ teaspoon baking soda or 2 dry sorghum leaves 4 cups water Directions In a large pot add all ingredients and simmer until rice is cooked about 30 minutes. Serve with boiled eggs, grilled fish, chicken, goat or vegetables. More easy lunch and dinner rice recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring white rice recipe again. Mozambique Coconut Beans Recipe Black-Eyed Pea C...

Three quick facts about the Republic of Cameroon Information on Cameroon Three quick facts about the Republic of Cameroon; Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan West Africa and an active volcano, former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country, and The Republic of Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Carrying firewood home in Cameroon  How Cameroon got its name. In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers named the area near the mouth of the Wouri River the Rio dos Camaroes (River of Prawns) after the abundant shrimp in the water; over time, the designation became Cameroon in English; this is the only instance where a country is named after a crustacean   Nationality Noun: Cameroonian(s) Adjective: Cameroonian   Life expectancy at birth Total population: 59.4 years Ma...

Berbere is a popular ingredient in spicy Ethiopian spice blends. It's used to season meats, chicken and veggies, beans, and nuts. Berbere is used in many low-sodium dishes as a salt alternative. Three Berbere Spice Facts. Berbere is a hot spice blend that is an integral ingredient in Ethiopian cuisine. Berbere name means hot in Amharic. Berbere is pronounced bear-bear-ee. Create our easy homemade Ethiopian Berbere spice blend at home. Berbere spice blend made at home is created fresh without additives or preservatives. Recipe for Berbere spice blend Ingredients 1/2 cup ground dried spicy chilies 1/4 cup paprika 1 teaspoon ground powdered ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice Directions Finely grind fenugreek seeds and combine well with remaining ingredie...

African cotton economy in regards to cotton plantation owners and everyday Benin citizens benefit from the cotton economy but not equally. Cotton in Africa mostly benefits plantation owners, shipping merchants, and the textile industry.   Picking Cotton in Modern Day Africa Where is Benin Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a West African kingdom that raised to prominence in about 1600 and over the next 250 years became a regional power, largely based on its slave trade. Benin is located in Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo. Benin is slightly smaller than Pennsylvania. The languages of Benin include French the official language, Fon and Yoruba, and numerous tribal languages. The population of Benin is mainly located in the south, with the highest concentration of Beninese people living in and around the cities on the Atlantic coast. Most of the north of Benin remains sparsely populated with higher concentrat...

Fog and Volcanoes in the Namib: Africa’s Coastal Desert Shaped by Ocean and Fire The Namib Desert, stretching for 1,600 km (994 miles) along Namibia’s Atlantic coastline, is one of the oldest deserts on Earth. Its surreal landscape — where towering sand dunes meet icy ocean currents — exists because of two powerful forces: ancient volcanic activity and a cool, fog-bearing ocean current. Why Fog Feeds Life Here The Namib is bone-dry — most areas get less than 2 cm (about 1 inch) of rain a year — yet fog rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean on many mornings. This fog is life-supporting. Tiny water droplets condense when warm desert air meets the cold Benguela Current , an ocean current flowing northward from Antarctica. Beetles, lizards, and even some plants harvest this fog; the beetle Stenocara gracilipes famously collects water on its back to drink. Without fog, most life here would not survive. Ancient Volcanic Roots Hidden beneath the dunes are signs of a fiery ...

Making Teff Bread Teff bread recipe and learn about where Teff grass grows and use traditionally in Ethiopia, Eritrea and USA.   In the African countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Djibouti use Teff grass to make flour. Teff flour can be used in a number of things such as cereal, bread, cookies, and other snacks. Today the African Gourmet will be teaching you how to make Ethiopian flatbread called injera bread.  Injera is made using teff flour, this ancient grain has a lot of fiber and protein and iron in it and it is a great nutritional source. Now making Injera bread is an overnight process and for best results, a three-day process because you want to get a nice sourdough type flavor. You can use water in your recipe but you can use flat beer, specifically dark beer for a nice rich flavor. Making Teff Bread of Ethiopia Ingredients  2 cups teff or whole wheat flour  2 cups of water  ¼ teaspoon salt  Vegetable oil for coating th...

Sweet Green Plantain Porridge Loaf Cake Recipe Sweet green plantain loaf cake transforms classic West African porridge into a moist, spiced bread with nutmeg, cinnamon, and condensed milk. Plantains are one of Africa’s most beloved staples — boiled in hearty stews, fried to golden perfection, or roasted until their natural sweetness deepens. Green plantains, firm and starchy like potatoes, are often simmered into comforting breakfast porridges across West Africa. This loaf cake reimagines that humble green plantain porridge as a baked treat. Blended plantains give the cake a tender, moist crumb, while nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla add warmth and fragrance. Sweetened condensed milk brings creamy richness, turning a traditional staple into a sliceable loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. Across the continent, cooks have long transformed simple ingredients into extraordinary comfort foods. This recipe does the same — honoring the everyda...

Roasted Curry Maize Soup Roasted Curry Maize Soup African Recipes by African Gourmet   Roasted corn or maize is a healthy African recipe made with onions, cabbage, and potato, hot peppers, corn and curry spice. Our African Roasted Curry Corn Soup has all the flavors you love from Africa street corn wrapped up into one comfort maize corn soup. Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 50 min Ingredients 1 large package frozen whole kernel corn ½ head cabbage shredded 1 white onion chopped finely 1 medium sized potato, diced small 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup vegetable broth Directions In a large frying pan add oil and corn, sauté 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients mix well, cover and simmer 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Serve over rice or as a soup dish.  Did you know? Maize or corn is one of the most important ce...

Africa for Kids: Hand Clapping Games Oral traditions are central to African history and culture. One beloved tradition is the hand-clapping games played by children across the continent. In Liberia and other parts of West Africa, these rhythmic games mix play, song, and movement, helping children build coordination, memory, and social skills . Liberian children playing hand clapping games At the Africa Heartwood Project Refugee Orphan Home in Buduburam Refugee Camp, Ghana, Liberian refugee children perform three classic clapping games. They sing in traditional Liberian Pidgin English, locally called Coloqwa (KOH-loh-kwah). Why Hand Clapping Games Matter Clapping games are more than play — they teach rhythm, coordination, cooperation, and quick thinking. Children learn patterns, remember lyrics, and practice social interaction while having fun. Three Popular Liberian Hand Clapping Games Hand Clapping Game #1 Performed by: Rannecia and Promise ...

Savory Garlic Mashed Breadfruit Recipe Cooking with breadfruit is easy. Breadfruit is a large, creamy fleshed, mild tasting and starchy with a texture similar to a potato, so of course everyone loves breadfruit in Africa and throughout the Caribbean and the world. Breadfruit is cooked and eaten green or ripe but is usually eaten when ripe but still firm. Ripe breadfruit can be boiled, steamed, or baked and replace potatoes in many recipes. Treat breadfruit as you would a potato. African Savory Garlic Mashed Breadfruit is an easy African recipe to make as side dish or a main meal. Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 30 min Total time: 50 min Savory Garlic Mashed Breadfruit Recipe Ingredients 1 breadfruit cored, peeled and diced 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 medium chopped onion 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup vegetable stock 2 tablespoons butter Directions In a large pot, add enough water to cover the breadfruit, simmer 20 minutes or unt...

Africa Food Spinach Smoked Meat Stew Recipe Spinach Smoked Meat Stew Recipe As suggested by the name Spinach and Smoked Meat Stew is a delicious mix of beef, fish, chicken, pork, and shellfish served over rice. Spinach leaves alone have a bitter taste and are sold fresh or dried. The leaves are green with a robust odor and a bitter taste. Yorubas call bitter leaf Ewuro and the Igbos Onugbu, every part of the plant is beneficial from the stem, leaves, and root. Liberian stews are unlike most recipes, Liberian stews are hearty stews that combine numerous meats, fish, and vegetables in one stew. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook time: 55 minutes Spinach Smoked Meat Stew Serves 4 Nutrition facts: 340 calories and 3 grams fat Ingredients 5 ounces of cubed smoked beef 5 ounces of smoked pork sausage 2 skinless chicken thighs 3 smoked fish, flaked 1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp 1 tablespoon minced garlic 2 onions, chopped finely 1/4 cup palm oil 1 bunch...

Batá drums are the voice of the Voodoo religion, batá are talking drums speak to and for the Yoruba people. Voodoo African Batá Drums In Yoruba Africa. Batá drums are the iconic symbol and sound of the Voodoo religion. The word voodoo comes from the West African word vodun which means spirit. Rhythms of Voodoo Batá Drumming. Batá drums are the voice of the Voodoo religion, batá are talking drums. Voodoo drumming and ceremonies are intimately linked in Africa. Batá drums are a double-headed drum shaped like an hourglass with one cone larger than the other. The Batá drum is a percussion instrument used primarily for the use of religious or semi-religious purposes for the native culture from the land of Yoruba, located in Nigeria. Batá drums are also the iconic symbol and sound of the Vodun or Voodoo religion. The talking drums express the histories of the West African Yoruba Oyo. Vodun is one of the world's oldest known religions. It is commonly believed by academic re...

African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA was signed into law on May 18, 2000. The Act offers incentives to African countries who continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets. The former Kingdom of Swaziland, renamed Eswatini is reportedly not holding up its end of the bargain of the AGOA. Eswatini capital, Mbabane, lies at the northern end of the Ezulwini Valley. The landlocked Kingdom of Eswatini is surrounded by South Africa but on the east shares a small border with Mozambique. Eswatini is the smallest country in the African southern hemisphere and is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey. The threat of Eswatini being suspended from a US preferential trade agreement for poor progress in meeting democratic norms is threatening the means of support for an extensive number workers in the Kingdom where unemployment is 47%. Swaziland Protest seen outside the Savoy Hotel The African Growth a...

Gesho Plant in Africa Used For Food Firewood Money and Medicine. Gesho plant is highly valued in rural Africa growing in parts of Kenya, Botswana, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Cameroon, Zaire, Tanzania, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Uganda. Rhamnus prinoides or gesho plant is an indispensable plant for the rural African community. Gesho plant was discovered in 1788 is also known as Dogwood or Shiny Leaf in English, Blinkblaar in Afrikaans, umGlindi in Xhosa, Musvosvadziva in Shona, umNyenye in Zulu and gesho in Amharic. The African dogwood is a dense shrub or a small tree with glossy foliage and decorative red and purple berries, the tree is no relation of the American and Asian dogwoods. Gesho is a versatile plant used for food, firewood, wages and medicine. Gesho grows bordering forest and at high elevations. The fruits, roots and leaves are utilized, no part of the Gesho is wasted. The leaves stems and branch are used to brew...