Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

Did you know?

1. No African country names begin with the letters F, H, I, J, O, P, Q, V, W, X, or Y.

2. Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent.

3. The Republic of the Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa.

Fried Peanuts of Western Africa

West African potash fried peanuts ingredients and directions.

What is cooking potash? Potash, potassium carbonate, is a potassium-rich salt that are mined from ancient oceans. Potash is a variety of mined and manufactured salts containing potassium. 

Potash has a unique ashen and salty taste. Potash has been a popular seasoning in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria for centuries where depending on the tribe you hail from, potash is called kaun or akanwu. Potash is also a common seasoning in Burkina Faso and Cameroon.

Potash fried peanuts is a tasty snack that is quick and easy to make today. Raw peanuts are pan-fried with potash and sea salt until golden brown. You can add spicy seasonings you want such as Cajun seasoning, Sichuan pepper or chili powder. Below are the ingredients and directions for West African potash fried peanuts.

Potash Fried Peanuts

Potash Fried Peanuts


West Africa potash fried peanuts ingredients and directions.

Ingredients

1/2 pound unshelled raw peanuts

2 tablespoons sea salt

1 teaspoon potash

Water to cover for soaking

2 tablespoons olive oil


Directions

In a large bowl mix salt, potash and water. Soak the raw peanuts overnight, covered on the countertop in the potash mixture. Boil the peanuts adding more potash and salt if desired for 5 minutes.

In a large fry pan heat oil, add drained peanuts and stir fry until golden brown about 10 minutes. Toss with your choice of a spicy spice blend or sprinkle with salt. Remove from heat and serve as a snack.

Roadside food vendor in Yaounde Cameroon

Roadside food vendor in West Africa making potash fried peanuts.


Fried peanuts are a quintessential protein snack in Western Africa and potash is a popular seasoning.



More easy breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes to make right now.


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Africa is surrounded by water but is not an island, here are a few African Island facts.

Madagascar is the 4th large island in the world and is located in the Indian Ocean supporting a unique biology, about 90% of its plants and animals are found nowhere else on earth.

Composed of 155 islands, Seychelles is Africa's smallest country. By far the largest island is Mahe, home to about 90% of the population and the site of its capital city of Victoria.

Cabo Verde has a strategic location 310 miles or 500 km from the west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site.

Africa is surrounded by water but by definition Africa is not an island because Africa is a continent. Continents can not be considered islands because of their size and also by historic definition since many people who study geography define islands and continents as two different things.

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Being African in America I have grown up learning about different ethnic cultures. My father and mother are historians of African culture and history and their influence expanded my activities to several best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded products, and a popular African culture and food blog.

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