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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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From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

African Portuguese Cabbage Stew Recipe

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How to make African Portuguese food Portuguese food heavily influences African food; one popular recipe is Portuguese Cabbage Stew. African Portuguese food recipe cabbage stew is healthy and food budget friendly. African Portuguese Cabbage Stew Recipe Portuguese is spoken in a number of African countries and is the official language in six African countries: Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), São Tomé and Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea. Many Africans speak Portuguese as a second language. Access to goods such as fabrics, spices, and gold and ivory fueled the Portuguese down the coast of West Africa to Sierra Leone in 1460.  Portugal dominated the slave trade for nearly 200 years, from 1415 into the 1600s. Portuguese food heavily influences African food; one popular recipe is Portuguese Cabbage Stew. Portuguese Cabbage Stew Ingredients: ½ head green cabbage, chopped 2 onions, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 white p...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

African Veggie Bread Bowl Recipe

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The Best South African Veggie Bunny Chow Recipe South African Bread Bowl. Bunny Chow is a classic Durban South African fast food similar to a bread bowl. Bunny Chow is usually called bunny and makes a glorious mess when eaten. Bunnies are generally ordered by sizes, such as a quarter loaf or half loaf. Just like Panera bread bowls, all parts of the Bunny Chow is eaten. The bread gets soggy and the curry soaks through the bread. Curry comes from the Tamil word kari, or spiced sauce, which was originally a thin, soup-like, spiced dressing served in South Africa where many Indians live and work.  Curry is the universal name of numerous types of rich and aromatic stewed Indian dishes. In Durban South Africa, the best bread bowl filling recipe is curry, the stewed dish type.   South African Fast Food South African Veggie Bunny Chow Recipe Ingredients 2 whole hollowed-out loaves of bread cut in half 2 tablespoons veget...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Banana vs. Plantain, what’s the difference?

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There are major differences between bananas and plantains. Bananas and Plantains  Bananas and plantains are the "first fruit crop" as its cultivation originated during a time when hunting and gathering were still the principal means of acquiring food. Bananas and plantains may have originated in Southeast Asia but their introduction into Africa is unclear. Africans annually consume around 46 pounds or 21 kilograms of bananas and plantains per capita, but Ugandans consume 421 pounds or 191 kilograms per year, that is more than 1 pound .5 kilogram per day. Banana vs. Plantain, what’s the difference? Bananas Bananas are cultivated in nearly all tropical regions of the world. Of particular importance to Africa is the East African Highland Banana which is a staple starchy food for 80 million people and important source of income. There are 120 East African Highland Banana varieties in Uganda alone that are not found anywhere else in the world. B...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Curried Cassava Fritters Recipe

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Cassava Recipe. Golden brown Curried Cassava Fritters are a delicious inexpensive African recipe ready in just minutes. Cassava is very versatile root vegetable and is used the main ingredient in bread, fries, roasted veggie stews and soups, chin-chin, fritters, sweet cakes and fufu. Curried Cassava Fritters African Recipes by The African Gourmet Golden brown Curried Cassava Fritters are a delicious inexpensive African recipe ready in just minutes. Ingredients: 2 Cups finely grated cassava 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1-2 cups Oil for frying   Directions: In a large frying pan heat vegetable oil. Wash, peel and finely grate the fresh cassava in a food processor. Add spices, mix well and form small flat fritters with the pulp mixture. Fry the fritters in hot oil until golden brown about 3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with extra sal...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

North African Tunisia Harissa Recipe

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Tunisian Harissa Chickpea Vegetarian Recipe Tunisia is a North African country which harissa hot pepper paste is a national condiment used on hundreds of recipes. Harissa mixed with chickpeas, tomatoes and peppers makes an easy healthy African vegetarian meal. North African Tunisia Harissa Recipe Ingredients 2 cans chickpeas 1 red pepper, seeded and sliced into eight strips 1 yellow pepper, seeded and sliced into eight strips 10 cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons harissa paste ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 handful fresh basil leaves 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup water Directions Pour the olive oil into a large frying pan over medium heat. Add peppers to the pan for 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes then mix in harissa. Add chickpeas and water and stir, heat 5 minutes. Remove from heat, season with salt and lemon juice. Add a handful of fresh basil. Serve with fresh bread or over rice. North African Tunisia Harissa Rec...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

The History of Earrings in Africa and Beyond: Status, Style and Meaning | The African Gourmet

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The History of Earrings in Africa and Beyond: Status, Style and Meaning | The African Gourmet Home › Explore Africa › African History The History of Earrings in Africa and Beyond: Status, Style and Meaning Earrings are far more than decoration. From ancient Africa to Persia and Europe, they signified rank, wealth, spiritual belief, and cultural identity. This guide walks you through 5,000 years of earring history — from early African metalwork to medieval European status laws — and shows how earrings became the timeless fashion we know today. Earrings first appeared in Northern Africa as early as 3,000 B.C. to signal status and identity. Ancient African Origins of Earrings By 3,000 B.C., Northern Africans were crafting earrings from copper and gold . Egyptian men and women wore them to mark social rank and devotion to the gods. These early jewelers mastered metalwork that influenced global styles for millennia. Spread to the Middle East and Pe...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Tsetse Fly and African Sleeping Sickness — What Beginners Should Know

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Tsetse Fly and African Sleeping Sickness (Beginner’s Guide) African sleeping sickness , or trypanosomiasis , is a parasitic disease spread by the tsetse fly . It begins with fever, headaches, and fatigue but can lead to confusion, coma, and death if left untreated. The disease is found only in Africa’s rural areas. What Is the Tsetse Fly? The tsetse fly is an insect found only in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan regions. Unlike regular houseflies, tsetse flies feed on blood and can carry Trypanosoma brucei , the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness. Did you know? Only female mosquitoes bite humans, but both male and female tsetse flies feed on blood — making them unique among biting insects. Two Types of African Sleeping Sickness East African sleeping sickness — caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense , mainly found in Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. It progresses quickly and can become severe within weeks. West African...
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Five African Proverbs About Deceit and Lies

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African proverbs, quotes, and sayings about cunning, deceit, and lies.  Every day we face an epidemic of deception. Hardly anyone never lies but as the African ancestors say lying is the work of petty spirits leaving the truth behind in the dirt. Below are 5 famous African proverbs, quotes, and sayings about cunning, deceit, and lies. African proverbs have deepened the inner awareness of the fearful, strengthened the convictions of leaders, been received as warnings by the rebellious, furnished rules of conduct for the community, comforted the broken and depressed and inspired the young and old to act as one in society. African Proverbs are words of wisdom and warning against cunning, lies and deceit African proverbs predate written literature therefore, it is impossible to trace them to their beginnings. Many proverbs from Africa which we are familiar were, as far as we know, first used by Africans, Arabs, Asians, Greeks, and then Romans. Many African proverbs have been the ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Make Ghana hot sauce bottles

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Make Ghana hot sauce bottles Bottle and sell your own Shito Ghana hot sauce bottles. Hot Peppers for Shito Shito red hot sauce in Ghana is often used on grilled meats to fried eggs, fish, and stews and soups. Bottled Shito hot sauce brings a lot of flavor to food and once you have drizzled homemade hot sauce on your breakfast burrito or pizza, you will be hooked. Make Shito hot sauce to your level of spiciness, put those beautiful red hot peppers from your garden or the local farmer’s market to skillful culinary use, and make extra bottles to give away as gifts.    African recipes by The African Gourmet  Shito Ghanaian pepper sauce is made with hot peppers, shrimp, fish, tomato paste and seasonings to create Ghana’s most beloved hot sauce.    Make Ghana hot sauce in bottles. Ingredients 3 medium tomatoes, chopped 10 hot peppers 1 tablespoon shrimp paste 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon groun...
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Mozambique Fiery Piri Piri Sauce

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Piri Piri pepper pepper sauce is a scorching hot African hot sauce recipe from Mozambique. How to Make Mozambique African Food Fiery Piri Piri African Hot Sauce and learn about the beautiful people of Mozambique. Piri Piri, pepper pepper sauce is a scorching hot African hot sauce recipe Piri Piri, or pepper pepper sauce is a very hot sauce that is used on meats, seafood, vegetables, French fries and any other dish imaginable.  Portuguese colonists influence the history of Mozambique food and Piri Piri sauce is a typical dish in African households that come with practice to make perfect. Prep time: 20 min Cook time: 10 min Total time: 30 min Mozambique Fiery Piri Piri Sauce Ingredients   1 minced piri piri pepper or any type of hot pepper    3/4 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake ¼ teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoo...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture
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South African Braai-Broodjies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe | The African Gourmet South Africa grilled cheese sandwich, Braai-broodjies or barbecued sandwiches are one of South Africa’s favorite grilled cheese African recipes. South African Braai-Broodjies Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Cheese Tomato and Onion Braai-Broodjies are delicious African food traditionally cooked over barbeque coals or a braai in South Africa. Varieties of Braai-Broodjies are endless, the classic recipe can be easily made at home and you can add goat cheese, rosemary, peppers, billabong or any of your favorite ingredients. Try this delicious version of South African grilled cheese sandwich with your favorite cheese, tomatoes, onions and any type bread, try potato or naan bread for a modern twist. African Grilled Cheese Braai-Broodjies Sandwich Braai-Broodjies grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious African food recipe traditionally cooked over barbeque coals or a braai...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

African Philosophy of Identity: You Can’t Hide Your Lying Eyes

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African Philosophy of Identity: You Can’t Hide Your Lying Eyes African Philosophy of Identity: You Can’t Hide Your Lying Eyes Our eyes can deceive us. We often place people into racial or cultural boxes based on how they look, but appearance alone tells only part of a person’s story. African philosophy, especially Ubuntu , teaches that identity goes beyond skin color or facial features — it’s about shared humanity and community. What Is Race? Race has no genetic basis . It’s a social category created to classify people by perceived physical differences. The exploitation of African bodies throughout history demonstrates how race was used as a tool of control, not biology. What Is Ethnicity? Ethnicity refers to shared cultural practices, languages, and beliefs that connect people. While race is often imposed by others, ethnicity is how communities define themselves . For example, the Yoruba, Zulu, and Berber peoples each hold distinct traditions, foods, ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area (2025 Update)

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Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area (2025 Update) Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area Africa — often called the Cradle of Civilization — is the world’s second-largest continent by land area and population. This 2025 update ranks the Top 20 largest African countries by land size and connects you to deeper stories about how geography shapes culture, biodiversity, politics, and spiritual traditions across the continent. Learn more through these hubs: African Geography Hub African History Hub Animism — Africa’s spiritual worldview French & English in Africa Creole languages on African islands Africa’s landmass spans deserts, rainforests, mountains, and savannas. Africa’s Largest Countries Ranked by Land Area (2025) These nations contain deserts, rainforests, mountains, and fertile river basins. For context on ...
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Why Froggy Has Bulging Eyes African Folktale

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African Folktale Why Froggy Has Bulging Eyes. Why Froggy Has Bulging Eyes African Folktale As the ancestors say, one day Leopard chased rabbit to the mouth of his hole, and then began to dig Rabbit out with his claws, but was not able to do so; and seeing a Frog, he said, "You are very strong, are you not?" "Oh yes," replied Frog; "I am a very strong." "Very well," said the Leopard; "just watch this hole, and, whatever you do, you must not let Rabbit get out while I go home for a hoe to dig him out of his hole." The Leopard went off, and the Frog sat down to watch the Rabbits hole. By and by the Rabbit came to the mouth of the hole eating some peanuts. "Uncle Rabbit," said the Frog, "give me some of what you are eating." "Open your eyes wide, and come close," replied Rabbit, and at once he changed the peanuts in his mouth for some red pepper, and when the Frog came near enough, he blew the peppe...
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, science, 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 archives 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.