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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Grilled Garden Eggs Recipe

Garden eggs, what are garden eggs?

The garden egg gets its name from the small size of the eggplant and is roughly the same size as a chicken egg.
Garden Egg

Garden eggs in Africa are a vegetable grown in the subtropics and tropics popular in Central and West Africa.


Garden eggs in Africa are a vegetable grown in the subtropics and tropics. The name eggplant originates from the shape of the fruit. The leaves and fruits of eggplants are eaten boiled, steamed, pickled, or in soups and stews with eggplant leaves, other vegetables or meats.

Garden eggs, what are garden eggs? Garden eggs are a smaller variety of the eggplant that is highly cultivated and valued in most sub-Saharan African countries.

The garden egg gets its name from the small size of the eggplant and is roughly the same size as a chicken egg. In African Igbo society, the garden egg represents fruitfulness and good fortune.

The Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria traditionally welcome visitors into their homes by offering eggplant fruits customarily along with kola-nuts and seeds of alligator pepper.


Grilled Garden Eggs Recipe Ingredients and Directions.

1. Peel 4 garden eggs (or leave the skin on) and slice in half

2. Place garden eggs into a dish and season with salt and pepper and pour one tablespoon of olive oil over the eggplants.

3. Mix well and arrange the slices on a broiler and broil on each side for five minutes and serve warm.

Garden eggs are low in calories with about 35 calories in a one cup serving.


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Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

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