Donate to Save Human History

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.

Ybeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew

Yebeg Tibs Wat: Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew, a flavorful one-pot dish.

Yebeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew is a one-pot African food recipe of marinated lamb meat simmered in spicy sauce and sautéed with onions, green peppers, and Berbere spice.

Easy to make date night meal Yebeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew.

Ybeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew
Ybeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew

Ybeg Tibs Wat Spicy Ethiopian Lamb Stew

Ingredients
1 pound lamb meat cut into small chunks
2 medium onions, diced
2 large Irish potatoes, peeled and diced
2 large carrots diced
2 green peppers, chopped
3 cups water
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix (recipe below)


Directions
Add lamb, onions and oil to a large skillet over medium heat, cover and cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer 40 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and serve warm with Ethiopian flatbread Injera.

Unique Bread Recipe Injera Bread
Injera Bread

Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Recipe
Ingredients
4 dried red chilies
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3 whole cloves
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
3 allspice berries
1 tablespoon cardamom seeds
1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves
¼ cinnamon stick

Directions
Add all ingredients to the coffee grinder and pulse until mixed well.

Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Recipe
Ethiopian Berbere Spice Mix Recipe 

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

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

⋯ ✦ ⋯

Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

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

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions