African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Mozambique in Pictures

Mozambique in Pictures
Mozambique in Africa
Officially the Republic of Mozambique, it is a former Portuguese colony located in Southeast Africa.

A row of local dancers greets cruise ship passengers arriving on Mozambique Island

Mozambique in Pictures


Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture

The historical sites of Mozambique from the Fort of São Sebastiãoto the Polana Church, to Sailing in Ilha de Moçambique and shopping in the numerous markets in Xai-Xai makes the African country of Mozambique a popular tourist destination.

S. Sebastião fortress, Mozambique Island, Mozambique photo by F H Mira 

 The Fort of São Sebastião also known as the Tower of São Sebastião is a 16th century military design on the Island of Mozambique.
 
Cafe in Xai-Xai, Mozambique photo by F H Mira 

Market and cafe in the popular tourist town of Xai-Xai, Mozambique 


Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique photo by F H Mira 

Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique

African fabric blowing in the breeze of Mozambique photo by F H Mira 

 African fabric blowing in the breeze of Mozambique

Sailing in Ilha de Moçambique (The Island of Mozambique), Mozambique photo by F H Mira

Sailing in Ilha de Moçambique (The Island of Mozambique), Mozambique

Market in Xai-Xai which is a city in the south of Mozambique photo by F H Mira

Market in Xai-Xai which is a popular city in the south of Mozambique.

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte is located on the most eastern tip of the Island of Mozambique photo by F H Mira

The Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte is located on the most eastern tip of the Island of Mozambique.

Avenida Dos Continuadores on Mozambique Island connects the 16th century castle to the wharf. In 1991 Mozambique Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Avenida Dos Continuadores on Mozambique Island connects the 16th century castle to the wharf. In 1991 Mozambique Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Locals out for a stroll on Ibo Island, Mozambique.

Locals out for a stroll on Ibo Island, Mozambique.

Did you know?
In Mozambique 45 percent of the population is younger than 15.

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

Image
Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
Read the full post here

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
Read the full post here

Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

Image
Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
Read the full post here

Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

Image
Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
Read the full post here