Africa – Notes From a Messy Kitchen

M’tsolola is a very traditional dish from Comoros, a small island nation between Mozambique and Madagascar. Plantains, a staple of Comorian cuisine, are used to stretch a little fish a long ways in this simple coconut milk stew. I actually used quite a lot of fresh tuna – two pounds...

Johanna

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Madagascar: Mofo Gasy

Africa

Madagascar

In 2017, I made what remains my favorite New Year’s resolution of all time: to cook a recipe from every country in the world. While I’ve not yet fulfilled it, I’ve not given up! Looking back, I was shocked to realize it was four whole years ago I started this...

Johanna

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Angola: Muamba de Galinha

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Africa

Angola

Moamba de Galinha is Portuguese for Chicken in Muamba sauce. No, I’m not practicing for my upcoming trip – Portuguese is the official language of Angola (Angola was a Portuguese colony until 1975). The cuisine of Angola has also been significantly influenced from Portuguese imports. However this particular dish has...

Johanna

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Swaziland: Slaai

Cooking Time: 5 minutes + 20 to marinate

Africa

Welcome to Swaziland, a small landlocked monarchy in the southern part of Africa. It’s one of the smallest African countries and one of the last complete monarchies in the world. It also has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world at just 51. The country is known for...

Johanna

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Gambia: Chakery

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Africa

Gambia

Chakery (sometimes spelled Thiakry) is the Gambian twist on rice pudding, made with couscous or millet, sweetened yogurt and sour cream. As Gambian cuisine tends toward the savory, it’s subtly sweet and lovely topped with fresh fruit – particularly a ripe mango. And if you have leftovers, it makes a...

Johanna

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Tanzania: Mtuzi wa Samaki

Cooking Time: 30

Africa

Tanzania

Mtuzi wa Samaki is a Tanzanian fish curry that originated in Zanzibar. Tanzania sits at a crossroads in the spice trade routes from India, and curries – particularly those made with coconut milk – are popular in the coastal region. This dish is now enjoyed all over the eastern coast...

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Cameroon: Ndolé

Cooking Time: 45

Africa

Cameroon

Cameroonian cuisine is one of the most varied in Africa due to its location on the crossroads between the north, west, and centre of the continent; added to this is the profound influence of French food, a legacy of the colonial era. Cameroon is made up of over 250 ethnic...

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Chad: Daraba

Cooking Time: 45

Africa

Chad

Although the Republic of Chad is Africa’s fifth largest country (by area) and one of the oldest inhabited places on Earth , I knew very little about its culture or cuisine. In researching this dish, I learned the country is made up of over 140 different ethnic groups with diverse...

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Somalia: Halwa & Sisin with Spiced Black Tea

Africa

Somalia

Let me tell you right now: candy making is not in my future. In fact, two hours in I had a total textural fail on candy #1 and two pots with sugar hardened and burnt to them and no pots to spare for a third attempt at candy #2. I...

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South Sudan: Sukuma Wiki

Cooking Time: 30

Africa

South Sudan

First thing I have to say: I’m 100% aware that these photos are D grade, at best. You’ll have to pardon me for prioritizing my dinner guests over good photography. This dish was actually a last minute addition to my recent supper club, recognizing the need for a little something...

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