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Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Your African Journey

From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

Tswana African Vegetable Stew Recipe

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African food recipes benefit everyone everywhere. Many African food ingredients are unknown outside places of origin in Africa however, in recent years many traditional food products from Africa have made their way into grocery stores. As a result, people have found out about food item like cocoyam, and many are curious to try them out. Preparing African food recipes helps to keep African food cooking traditions alive. For example, Imbuya in the Setswana language is African spinach. Imbuya is a tropical leaf vegetable grown in most tropical regions of Africa and is an important traditional vegetable crop in the cooking lives of millions of Africans. Vegetable Stew cooked by South Africa and Botswana Tswana people with spinach, peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Our African vegetable stew recipe is easy to make and made vegan, vegetarian or with chicken. Tswana African Vegetable Stew Recipe Ingredients and Directions. Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 20 min Total ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Remember the good advice African Proverbs gave you today

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Remember the good advice African Proverbs gave you today. An army of sheep led by a lion can defeat an army of lions led by sheep. Everyone thinks their own spit tastes good. By a sweet tongue and kindness, you can drag an elephant with a strand of hair. The spider and fly cannot make a bargain. The lion does not turn around when a small dog barks. Those who refuse to obey cannot command. War ends nothing. Using African Proverbs when you listen to good advice, take it in and pass it on. Good advice intelligence is not limited to those who follow a straight and narrow path, often times the best advice comes from those who have been there, done that and learned the hard way. African proverbs had been used for centuries not only their parents, grandparents and ancestors but also all over the world. African proverbs communicate timeless good advice about truth and sincerity, kindness and wickedness and wisdom and foolishness. African proverbs touc...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

African Swahili Chicken Stew

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African Swahili Chicken Stew is a delicious meal with chicken, coconut milk, ten spices, onions and garlic. African chicken Swahili soup recipes are truly the ultimate one pot, meal slowly cooked comfort food served with rice. We like it so much we make double the recipe to take for lunch 2 days a week as well as dinner every Sunday evening. Swahili Chicken African food recipes are easy to make at home. African Swahili Chicken Stew Recipe. Ingredients 4 chicken breasts, each cut into three long strips 2 tablespoons palm oil 5 cups chicken stock 2 cups coconut milk 3 chopped tomatoes 2 onions, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon lime juice 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped 2 red chilies, chopped 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves How to make African Swahili ...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Ekumeku Resistance Movement During Nigeria British Rule

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Invasion of British troops was a catastrophe for Igbo Nigeria African life but the Ekumeku movement fought against British rule 1901 to 1916. The name Ekumeku is derived from the Igbo phrase ekume eku, meaning the death is good or death rather than slavery. This reflects the fierce determination of the movement's members to fight against the British.  Nigeria became an official British administrative land in 1901, the colonialism and invasion of British troops was a catastrophe for the ingenious Igbo African way of life, but the Ekumeku underground resistance movement attempted to right the wrong. Ekumeku War between the British and the people in Asaba hinterland lasted until 1911. British first carried out indirect rule through native authorities, who collected taxes and performed other local administrative tasks. Access to colonial resources was determined by the cooperation of tribes in relation to British power and the Ekumeku committed an act of treason by killing a popul...
Explore Africa: Food, History, and Culture

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.