Makayabu is the Lingala word for Bacalhau (Portuguese) or Bacalao (Spanish) also known as dried and salted cod. Salting food is probably the world’s oldest known food preservation method, which is probably the reason why dried and salted cod has been over centuries one of the most used ingredients in almost every part of the globe.
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Three years ago, I shared with you this recipe of mbika cakes made with egusi seed flour, a widely popular dish in central African countries. Usually in my family, we have them as appetizers, but you can have them as main dish as well. Back then, I told you how melon seeds were grounded into flour and used in various recipes either as thickener in soups or stews or simply as flour like in the recipe I’m sharing today.
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In the past, we talked about hibiscus flowers were used to make a popular drink called Bissap. Today, I will share with you a popular recipe, from Congo, made with roselle leaves instead of hibiscus flowers.
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Hi guys! I know it has been awhile since my last post, but a lot of things was going on with my life, so I didn’t have a lot of time in hands to come up with new contents for my blog. In fact, I had to focus on work, on family and most importantly on my health. As a matter of fact, I underwent a jaw surgery just few months ago, so I wasn’t really in the best condition to write or do anything demanding energy or concentration.
As I have told you on numerous occasions, seasoning is important in African cuisine. That’s why I always make in advance onion purée and chili paste to add to my dishes or to marinade meats.
While Irish might have Pub food, Congolese have NGanda food. Nganda is the Lingala term for rustic restaurants or taverns that is common to see in popular neighborhoods in Brazzaville. The food that you will usually find there are mostly grilled meat cooked on charcoal. Continue reading
Spring is almost here ! Today I decided to share this simple recipe that I used to have when I was growing up. The recipe comes from one of my mom’s best friends. They both met during their time in France when they were students and remained friends even after returning home to their respective countries. Continue reading
We are already in August and I decided for this month to introduce you to some of my favorite dishes, especially the African ones. And today, I’m making MBika cakes with Shrimp and smoked fish. MBika (the word used in Lingala) is commonly called Egusi in West Africa and Pistache in Cameroon. In West and Central Africa, Egusi seeds, protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants, like squash, melons or gourds, are ground into flour whose texture is similar to almond meal.
Plantains are among the staple ingredients in African cuisine. In fact, in most parts of Africa, Plantains are as unavoidable as potatoes are in the West. Grilled, boiled, pounded or deep fried, Plantains can be prepared in different ways and make good side dishes and snacks.
For ages, Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers (also known as Roselle) have been used to make one of the most popular drinks in the entire African continent. In fact, from Dakar in Senegal to Cairo in Egypt, it’s not uncommon to find street vendors selling chilled Hibiscus juice or Hibiscus tea at bus stations, markets, or even stadiums during sport events.
Rita's Notebook 