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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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Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

Peri Peri Turkey Brine Recipe

Peri Peri Turkey Brine Recipe

Peri Peri Turkey Brine for a Spicy Turkey Day Feast

Turkey brine preparation

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, celebrate, and share delicious food. This year, why not elevate your Thanksgiving turkey with a Peri Peri Turkey Brine?

A well-made brine infuses deep flavors into the meat, keeping it moist, juicy, and tender, even after long hours of roasting. Below, you'll find a simple recipe for this flavorful brine, along with a look at why brining is so effective.

Why Brine?

Brining is an age-old technique that involves soaking meat in a saltwater solution. This process helps the turkey absorb both moisture and seasonings. The result is a bird that's far less likely to dry out, ensuring each bite is succulent, richly seasoned, and satisfying.

The Benefits of Exploring New Foods

Trying new foods like a Peri Peri Turkey Brine is a fun adventure for your taste buds, but it's also good for your brain. Exploring unfamiliar tastes and ingredients stimulates your mind, helping you stay curious and open to new experiences. This practice enhances cognitive flexibility, which is key to keeping your brain healthy as you age.

Peri Peri Turkey Brine ingredients

Turn Up the Flavor with our Peri Peri Brine Turkey

Peri Peri Turkey Brine Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup sea salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 peri peri hot peppers, diced
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
  • 1 ounce of fresh ginger, sliced
  • 2 oranges, quartered
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander

Directions

  1. In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat.
  2. Add the allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, oranges, thyme, peri peri peppers, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander to the pot.
  3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
  4. Place your turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the chilled brine over the turkey, ensuring it's fully submerged. If necessary, weigh down the turkey with a plate.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  6. When ready to roast, remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry, and proceed with your favorite roasting method.

Remember: Do not add extra salt to the turkey, as it's already seasoned from the brine.

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.

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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.