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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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Egyptian Red Onion Potato Salad

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Egyptian red onion potato salad, Egypt walking onions and hieroglyphics recipe and facts.

Egyptian walking onions were used as hieroglyphics
Egyptian walking onions were used as hieroglyphics

Egyptians love growing, eating and revering onions; walking onions were used as hieroglyphics and the rings inside round onions were thought of as a cosmic symbol of the universe. The Onion, if suspended in a room, possesses the magical powers of attracting and absorbing sicknesses, they were used during burials of Pharaohs.

What are Hieroglyphics? Egyptian Hieroglyphics are characters in which symbols represent objects and ideas read from left to right. Hieroglyphics can be pictures of living creatures such as an owl, objects used in daily life such as a basket or symbols such as lasso.

Most of the pictures stand for the object they represent, but usually, they stand for sounds. Egyptian Hieroglyphics are characters which symbols represent ideas. Hieroglyphics are pics of living things and objects used in daily life.

The Onion was also formerly held in the highest esteem as a religious symbol in the divinations of the Egyptians. To dream of Onions is considered of evil augury, portending sickness and misfortune.


Egypt Onion Production

Onions are one of Egypt’s most important export crops after oranges and potatoes. Egypt is the world’s third highest onion producing country and Africa’s top onion producing country. Egyptians are credited as being one of the first groups of people to practice agriculture on a large scale with agriculture almost entirely dependent on irrigation from the Nile River.

Egypt, Sudan and Algeria are the three leading onion producing African countries in the world.


Top 10 Onion Producing African Countries

Egypt

Sudan

Algeria

Niger

Nigeria

Morocco

South Africa

Senegal

Uganda

Ethiopia


Onion bulbs are boiled, fried, fresh, dried, frozen, canned, pickled, and used in salads and soup. Certain varieties of onions are preferred for certain dishes. Yellow onions have a strong flavor and are very sharp-tasting while white onions have mid-tone flavors and red onions have a mild taste usually used raw in salads and sandwiches or picked. Green onions also have a mild taste and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Whole uncut raw onion bulbs can be stored for without deteriorating in a cool, dry, dark place for around 2-3 months. In many Egyptian onion-growing regions, it is a major source of income for rural families who sell their produce in local, regional and international markets.

Recipe. Egyptians love growing, eating and revering onions. Make red onion potato salad just like a home chef from Egypt.


Egyptian Onion Potato Salad

Ingredients

5 large medium-starch potatoes

2 medium red onions, chopped

2 hardboiled eggs

¼ cup finely chopped green onions

¼ cup finely chopped parsley

¼ cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped

¼ cup lemon juice

To taste salt and pepper


Directions

Cook, peel and dice the potatoes. Peel and chop the eggs. Place the potatoes, eggs, white onions and green onions, parsley, and oil in a large salad bowl. In a separate bowl, crush the garlic with the salt, add lemon juice and stir. Add the dressing to the other ingredients and toss. Serve chilled.

Did you know? Egypt walking onions are also known as tree onions can withstand below zero temperatures. Many tree onions are very strong flavored, although some plant varieties are mild and sweet.

Egyptian hieroglyphics plants flowers seeds
Egyptian hieroglyphics plants flowers seeds

What do the hieroglyphics symbols mean?

A an Egyptian vulture
B a foot
C a basket with handle
D a hand
E a reed
F a horned viper, an Egyptian snake
G a jar-stand
H a reed shelter
I a reed
J a cobra
K the basket with the handle
L a lion
M an owl
N a zigzag symbol for water
O a lasso
P a square stool
Q a symbol for the slope of a hill
R a mouth
S a piece of linen folded over
T a bun
U a quail chick
V a horned viper
W a quail chick
X a basket and folded linen
Y two reeds
Z a door bolt
CH a hobble
KH a ball of string
SH the rectangle which is the symbol for land


The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 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.