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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.

Origins of Kenya Largest Tribe

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Ancient Origins of Kenya's Largest Tribe and the Mau-Mau Kikuyu Fighters Possessor of all Ngai. Kere-Nyaga, also is known as Mount Kenya, is a place for prayers and sacrifices. The common name used when addressing the possessor of all is Ngai. Numbering about 6 million, Kikuyu people are the largest ethnic group in Kenya. While praying the Gikuya the people were to address Ngai as Mwene-nyaga. The Kikuyu name for Mount Kenya is also Mwene-nyaga. The Kikuyu God and possessor of all is Mwene-nyaga meaning owner of the snow, possessor of brightness, or possessor of the white patch.  Mwene-nyaga, lives on Mount Kenya, is also known as Kere-Nyaga. The Kikuyu pray under large sacred trees such as fig trees and this is where Mwene-nyaga is praised and prayers and sacrifices are offered. Mount Kenya is regarded as a holy mountain by the Kikuyu and Meru communities. They use the mountain for traditional rituals based on the belief that their traditional God, Ngai, and his wife Mumbi l...

Two Senegalese Favorite Food Recipes

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Thirty informational stats and facts on Senegal geography, history, food, politics, economy, population statistics, culture, and languages and the best two Senegalese chicken and stuffed fish recipes. Learn all info about the African country of Senegal and make the best two Senegalese chicken recipe and stuffed fish recipe. Thieboudienne is an African seafood recipe from Senegal of stuffed fish and seasoned rice cooked in a thick vegetable tomato-based sauce. Seafood Recipe African Stuffed Fish Senegalese and Rice Stew Ingredients 2 large cleaned red snappers 2 onions, finely chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic 2 diced carrots 2 diced tomatoes 1/2 head shredded green or purple cabbage 2 cups peeled and diced fresh pumpkin 1 cup peeled and diced cassava 6 peeled and diced garden eggs (African eggplants) 1 small can tomato paste 1 chopped hot chili 1 tablespoon fish sauce One handful chopped parsley 3 cups uncooked rice 6 cups fish or vegetable stock ...

10 Endangered and Critically Endangered African Animals

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10 Endangered and Critically Endangered African Animals Africa is home to some of the most majestic and diverse wildlife on Earth — but many of these species are disappearing fast due to poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and shrinking habitats. Learn about ten endangered and critically endangered African animals and how conservation efforts are fighting to keep them alive. What You Need to Know About Africa’s Wildlife Crisis Africa’s animals are under pressure from habitat loss and poaching. Experts make a critical distinction: Trophy Hunting – legal and highly regulated; can fund habitat protection and anti-poaching programs when well managed. Poaching – illegal hunting for trade; kills breeding females and young, pushing species toward extinction. Meet 10 Endangered and Critically Endangered African Animals 1. African Penguin Nicknamed the “jackass penguin” for its bray-like call, fewer than 52,000 mature individuals remain. Overfishing, oil spills, and habit...

Cumin Makes the Best African Herb Sauce Recipes

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Cumin Makes the Best African Herb Sauce Recipes Make the best North African cumin herb sauce for dinner tonight. Cumin is a low-growing annual herb of the Nile valley, but cultivated in the Mediterranean region, Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, India, China, and Palestine from very early times and is a strong tasting herb. Cumin plants mature in about two months when the stems are cut and dried in the shade; one of the main ingredients in green chermoula is cumin.  Green plants plus cumin make the best African herb sauce recipes. One of the main ingredients in North African green chermoula sauce is cumin. Cumin has a nutty peppery flavor and chermoula is a green plant-based North African herb sauce traditionally served with seafood.  Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 10 min Total time: 20 min North African Green Herb Sauce Ingredients ½ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons minced garlic 5 parsley sprigs minced 5 cilantro sprigs minced ½ teaspo...

Friends Leave You Just When You Need Them Most

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African folktale story Friends Leave You Just When You Need Them Most ❤ ❤ ♥♥♥ Hawk learns in this African folktale story that friends do not support you when you most need it. Folklore storytelling is the most ancient art form of the African Community. Just as someone expresses their ideas and the form of music, painting, dance and sculpture folklore takes the ideas of an ancient story and creates with words a picture that enchants the listener with a rich auditory environment. Many African people are born storytellers and spend many long hours practicing their art. Not everyone can acquire the art of folklore storytelling imagery, but for the beginner one should think of folklore storytelling as a heritage passed on from traditional storytellers and dig deep within the ancient storyteller that lies within us all. Time and effort must be given to becoming an African folklore storyteller, just as any artist must give time and effort to developing their skill. A...

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.

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions