Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

Did you know?

1. No African country names begin with the letters F, H, I, J, O, P, Q, V, W, X, or Y.

2. Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent.

3. The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa.

Zanzibar African Octopus Stew Recipe

The local variety of octopus in the seas of Zanzibar off Africa's Eastern shores is a favorite ingredient in Octopus stew. 



The local variety of octopus in the seas of Zanzibar off Africa's Eastern shores is a favorite ingredient in Octopus stew.
African Octopus Stew

Eat Zanzibar African Octopus Stew recipe with white rice, stewed beans and a large piece of chili on the side.


Zanzibar African Octopus Stew Recipe


Ingredients

2 pounds cleaned and sliced octopus
2 cups water
1 onion finely chopped
4 scallions finely chopped
3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed and very finely chopped
2 sprigs thyme
2 large bay leaves
2 tablespoons palm oil or sunflower oil
2 sprigs flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Salt and ground black pepper to taste


Directions

In a large pot, add octopus, one cup of water and seasonings. Let stew on low heat 1 hour. In the same pot add all remaining ingredients, cover and simmer over a medium heat for 25 minutes. Serve hot.

Africa is surrounded by water but is not an island, here are a few African Island facts.

Madagascar is the 4th large island in the world and is located in the Indian Ocean supporting a unique biology, about 90% of its plants and animals are found nowhere else on earth.

Composed of 155 islands, Seychelles is Africa's smallest country. By far the largest island is Mahe, home to about 90% of the population and the site of its capital city of Victoria.

Cabo Verde has a strategic location 310 miles or 500 km from the west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site.

Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent. Continents can not be considered islands because of their size and also by historic definition since many people who study geography define islands and continents as two different things.

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Being African in America I have grown up learning about different ethnic cultures. My father and mother are historians of African culture and history and their influence expanded my activities to several best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded products, and a popular African culture and food blog.

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