African Cultures And Cuisines Go Hand In Hand
BY OKECHUKWU OKUGO
" African food and beverage has acquired many flavours owing its length and breadth of variation in culture, invasion and influences. Traditional African cuisine consist of a variety of local fruits, milk, whey, curd, vegetables and meat products. Cassava and Yams are the popular root vegetables, while peas, beans, sweet potatoes and wild fruits are very popular in Africa. North African cuisine has Arabic influence, while coastal parts of Africa enjoy spicy food. One of the most popular alcoholic beverages is the Ethiopian honey wine called Tej. It is also said that Ethiopia cultivated coffee and from there it spread to Yemen, to Arab and rest of the globe.
There are many folds and faces to the vibrant culture of Africa. The more you learn about it, more fascinating the details become. With an mixture of cultures, influences and traditions over centuries, African culture has taken many shades from different parts of the globe, especially from Europe. There is something native about African culture that has remained untouched by the colonization and modern changes. The real culture of Africa can be closely associated with their every day customs and practices." -
SOURCE: http://www.thehistoryofafrica.com/
NORTH AFRICAN DISHES:
LENTILS
Photo source: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/
North African Lamb Kebabs. Photo source: cookingwithmamamiyuki.wordpress.com
North African Meatballs with Couscous. Photo credit: http://sweetpotatochronicles.com/
2. EAST AFRICAN DISHES:
EAST AFRICA'S MATOKE. Photo Source:
Note: Historically its traditional dishes are similar to those of central Africa with a few small differences, Maize (corn) is the basis of ugali, the East African version of West Africa’s fufu, and plantain is often steamed to make matoke the filler of many meals served with their stews.
Rice and Spiced Goat Stew Served With Naan Bread. Photo source: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/
3. SOUTH AFRICAN DISHES:
A delicious bobotie. [Photograph: jeroxie on Flickr] SOURCE: http://www.seriouseats.com/
NOTE: This dish consists of a ground meat base, similar to a meatloaf, with a baked egg topping. Ground meat is mixed with bread and seasonings, then baked for a short time - then, an egg mixture is poured over the top and the whole casserole bakes again. The dish is often served with a side of rice or mealie. Check out a recipe for bobotie here.
Meats grilling away on the braai. [Photograph: ossewa on Flickr] SOURCE: http://www.seriouseats.com/
NOTE: The most common and festive means of food preparation in South Africa is thebraai. Comparable to a cook-out in America, throwing a braai is how communities connect and families celebrate. Usually several types of meats are prepared on the grill, and served with a variety of side dishes.
4. WEST AFRICAN DISHES:
WEST AFRICAN JOLLOF RICE. PHOTO SOURCE:
WEST AFRICA FUFU WITH OKRA SOUP SERVED WITH "KPOMO" MEAT.
PHOTO SOURCE:
(OPENING IMAGE: Eating Banku + Okra Soup in Accra, Ghana - YouTube
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