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One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.

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Dive into flavors from Jollof to fufu—recipes, science, and stories that feed body and soul.

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Timeless sayings on love, resilience, and leadership—ancient guides for modern life.

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About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: WikipediaEmory University African StudiesUniversity of KansasUniversity of KwaZulu-NatalMDPI Scholarly Journals.
Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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

No Meat Thick Rice Stew

Everyday African Rice Receipe

West African no-meat thick rice stew is a hearty rice stew with a rich blend of fresh vegetables, brown rice, palm butter, and vegetable stock, creating a warm and nourishing soup that will make you feel right at home. If you have leftovers, fear not - this soup can be enjoyed again later, but you may consider adding a bit of vegetable broth or water to thin it out when reheating.

Palm butter is an ingredient widely used in African cuisine due to its distinctive rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture. Consider using coconut cream, peanut butter, or cashew cream if you want a substitute. However, remember that the taste may differ, and you should adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences. 

However, if you can access palm butter, it is recommended to use it as it has a unique flavor that is both rich and earthy. It has a mild nutty taste with a hint of sweetness that adds a great depth of flavor to any dish.

West African no-meat thick rice stew

No-Meat Thick Rice Stew from West Africa


Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins


Ingredients

2 cups uncooked brown rice

1 large onion chopped

3 green spring onions chopped

3 garlic cloves minced

1 large ripe tomato diced

1 large green bell pepper diced

1 large yellow bell pepper diced

1 large red bell pepper diced

2 hot peppers diced

4 cups vegetable broth

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 small can of tomato paste

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons palm butter


Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, add broth and butter. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover and remove from heat. Mix well with flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Melt palm butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add vegetables, and saute until slightly firm, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then add flour mixture, a few tablespoons at a time, into the pot of broth, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add vegetables to the broth mixture. Cook 10 minutes longer and serve as a main dish with bread or a side dish with fish or chicken.

Cooking rice

Eat and Enjoy No-Meat Thick Rice Stew from West Africa

Indulge in a delicious bowl of West African thick rice stew that is both easy to prepare and fits right within your budget. This amazing dish is completely meatless, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer vegetarian meals. With its rich texture and exotic blend of flavors, this stew is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

The African Gourmet Food Charity

Since its inception in 2007, Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet have been on a flavorful journey to showcase Africa's vibrant food and culture. At The African Gourmet Food Charity division, our mission goes beyond nourishment; it's about empowering African communities through the art of cuisine and sustainable food practices. We're dedicated to honoring and preserving Africa's diverse culinary traditions while championing health, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. Through education and support for local ingredients, we cultivate a robust food ecosystem that enriches both individuals and the entire community. Our vision is a future where everyone enjoys access to wholesome, culturally significant meals and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Recipes Explain Politics

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

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

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.