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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

The classic way of frying a chicken is the best way to fry squabs. 

Although by this method a lot of grease is needed in which to fry the birds, they are not at all greasy when cooked if the grease is kept hot.

Fried Buttermilk Squab Recipe

Fried buttermilk squab recipe to explore delicious squab regional cuisine of Africa and make authentic squab recipe at home.

But first...

What is a squab?

Squabs are young pigeons and are usually expensive as they are considered a delicacy to eat. The birds are very small, the meat is delicate, as their bones are tiny. After the egg has been incubated for seventeen days, the squab lies in the nest for four weeks and in that, time puts on fat, which for lack of exercise is exceptionally tender.

The squab, until it is four weeks old, stays in the nest, and is fed with seeds and beans, and kept as fat as possible. The vegetable protein in the seeds is changed to animal protein in the squabs. They are ready for market when four weeks old.

In Egypt squab meat is considered a delicacy

Ancient Egyptians began using young pigeons (squabs) for ceremonial and culinary purposes at least 4000 years ago. Squabs should be more freely consumed, and idea of eating squabs would be most appetizing to the American diet. A great variety of dishes may be prepared with squabs and one will never tire of their delicious flavor and tender dark meat. One great recipe is fried squab.

Where to buy squabs?

Order domestic squabs online making sure they are all-natural raised with no antibiotics or hormones. Squabs weigh on average around 16 to 18 ounces or around 1 pound each.

Fried Buttermilk Squab Recipe

Ingredients
6 cleaned and cut-up squabs
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon sea-salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Vegetable oil for frying
3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
In a large bowl or re-sealable plastic bag, add squab and buttermilk and refrigerate 1 hour. In another re-sealable plastic bag, combine flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Shake to mix well.

Move one piece of squab at a time from the marinade into flour mixture. Shake well to coat completely. Place on rack and continue with remaining squab. Heat 1-inch vegetable oil in large deep skillet over medium-high heat until deep-fry thermometer registers between 350°F and 375°F.

Fry squab a few pieces at a time so oil does not cool down. Turn squab to brown evenly, remove when golden, and cooked through. Wings should take 10 to 15 minutes, drumsticks 15 to 20 minutes, breasts and thighs 20 to 25 minutes.

Squab is done when meat thermometer inserted in center reaches 170°F. Drain on wire rack to keep squab crispy. Serve hot or cool squab to room temperature. Place it in a sealed container and refrigerate to enjoy the next day.

Order domestic squabs online


Food recipe Squabs are young pigeons and are usually expensive as they are considered a delicacy to eat.

Three 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

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African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

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Desserts

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.

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.