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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.

How to Choose Fresh Fish Like a Pro

Here are some tips for choosing fresh fish the next time you go shopping.

How to Choose Fresh Fish Like a Pro

How to Choose Fresh Fish Like a Pro, knowing how to choose fresh fish is a vital skill for the home cook.



The top ten African fish exporters to Europe are Morocco 29%, Namibia 15.8%, South Africa 12.3%, Mauritius 7% and Senegal 6.3%.

How to Choose Fresh Fish Fish should...
Smell It It should not have a bad smell
Scratch the Scales The scales should not be easy to remove from the skin.
Observe the Stomach It should not have a sunken, soft and mushy or burst stomach.
Press the Flesh The flesh should not be soft and should not leave the mark of your finger where you pressed.
Open the Gills The gills should be red and clean with almost no slime.
Check the Eyes The eyes should be firm, clear and sticking out.
Check the Skin The skin should always be glossy and moist.
Check How the Seller Keeps the Fish Fish should always be kept chilled with clean ice in a clean container.


 A very common dish in Sierra Leone is fufu served with sour sour, also known as sorrel, a wild leafy vegetable with a tart flavor.

By
African food recipe
Traditional African Recipe of Stewed Sardines in Groundnut Sauce.

Stewed Sardines in Groundnut Sauce recipe

Serves 4
African food

Stew
Nutrition facts: 110 calories, 1 gram fat

Ingredients
1 cup groundnuts
2 pounds fresh sardines
2 medium carrots, diced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 chili pepper, finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons palm oil
2 cups of water
Salt and pepper to your liking

Directions
To make the groundnut paste: Roast then peel one cup of groundnuts. Crush or grind the groundnuts into a powder, add some hot water and mix to make a paste.
To make the stew: Clean, Fry the onions and garlic in oil until brown and tender in large pan over high heat. Add the tomatoes and carrots, stir then add groundnut paste, season with salt, pepper and chili, stir then add fish, cover and simmer 20 minutes. Serve with rice.



African Recipe of Stewed Sardines in Groundnut Sauce

More economical easy lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

  1. Yedoro Stir Fried Ethiopian Chicken Dinner
  2. Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
  3. Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

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.

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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

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions