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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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Durban-Style Prawn Curry with Coconut Milk

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Durban-Style Prawn Curry with Coconut Milk

This South African prawn curry combines coconut milk, warming spices, and the rich food culture of Indian South Africans. Perfect for a cozy seafood dinner, this curry celebrates the vibrant flavors of Durban’s Indian community.

Learn more about the history of Indian cooking in Africa and how cultural exchange shaped local flavors.

Durban-style South African prawn curry with coconut milk and spices
Rich, aromatic prawn curry with coconut milk — a Durban classic.

Ingredients

  • 6 fresh prawns, cleaned and shelled
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seed
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions

  1. In a large fry pan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and spices; cook until lightly browned.
  2. Add the prawns and pour in coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Finish with lime juice and adjust salt to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Did You Know?

  • Durban is home to the largest Indian population in Africa — over one million people of Indian descent.
  • The first Indians arrived in 1684 under Dutch colonial rule and later as indentured workers in the 1800s.
  • Durban’s famous curries blend Indian spices with South African seafood and coconut milk.

More African Recipes to Try

For more Durban-style seafood inspiration, explore African seafood and curry recipes.

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For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.