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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.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Homemade authentic Egyptian spice mix

Dukkah, or Dukkha is an Egyptian spice mix of countless variations of herbs, toasted nuts, and spices sprinkled over eggs, meat, poultry, pasta, rice or vegetables. You can use Dukkah as a rub for grilled ostrich, steak, chicken or fish. 

Dukkha Egyptian spice mix

Egyptian Dukkah is a traditional spice blend that consists of roasted nuts, seeds, and herbs. It is typically used as a dip for bread or fresh vegetables, or as a seasoning for meat, fish, or salads. Dukkah has a rich and nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to any dish. 

Dukkah can be made with different combinations of ingredients, such as almonds, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Some variations also include dried fruits, coconut, or chili flakes. Dukkah is easy to make at home and can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks. 

To make dukkah, simply toast the nuts and seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden, then transfer to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the herbs and spices and pulse again until well combined. Enjoy your homemade Egyptian Dukkah with bread and olive oil, or sprinkle it over your favorite dishes for a delicious boost of flavor and texture.

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min

Egyptian Dukkah Herb Nut Spice Mix Recipe.

Ingredients:
½ cup cashew nuts toasted and chopped
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
1 handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon salt

Directions:
Mix all ingredients well in an airtight container and store in a dry place.

Dukkah derives from the Arabic word for to pound.

Dukkah is a condiment that originated in ancient Egypt and has been widely used in the Middle East ever since. The name comes from the Arabic word for to pound, as the ingredients are roasted and ground together to form a coarse mixture. Dukkah typically consists of herbs, nuts, and spices, but the exact recipe varies depending on the region and personal preference. 

Some common ingredients are hazelnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Dukkah is often served as a dip with bread and olive oil, or sprinkled over salads, soups, eggs, or roasted vegetables. It adds a crunchy texture and a nutty, spicy flavor to any dish. Dukkah is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Egypt and the Middle East.

Dukkah can also be used as a crust for poultry, meat, or fish, or as a topping for cooked proteins like halloumi or tofu. It can also be mixed with yogurt for an easy dip, or with soft cheese like goat cheese or ricotta for a spread. Dukkah can also be added to bread dough or challah for a flavorful twist. Dukkah is a simple way to add some crunch and spice to your meals and snacks.

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African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

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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.

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To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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.