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.

Hiding From Hard Work African Folklore

People hide from hard work for many reasons. As the African Folklore Hiding From Hard Work teaches us, there is nowhere to hide when a parent gives you chores to do.

As the African Folklore Hiding From Hard Work teaches us, there is nowhere to hide when a parent gives you chores to do.

Hiding From Hard Work African Folklore Story

In the quaint farming town of Nwende, there existed a young man whose reputation preceded him—not for feats of industry or ambition, but rather for the art of idleness. Laziness was not just a trait; it was his defining characteristic.

This young man, whose name echoed through the village in whispers of exasperation, seemed to have an unparalleled talent for avoiding anything that remotely resembled hard work. Fields begged for tending, and chores cried out for attention, yet he mastered the skill of evading responsibility with an almost praiseworthy skill.

One extremely hot summer day, he found himself in a difficult situation. He was afraid of running out of money and needed a job urgently but the pressure of working became so intense that it felt like something inside him was about to snap.

With a defiant spirit, he declared to his father, "I am tired of hard work! I will disappear, and you will never find me!" The father, seasoned by life's trials, responded with a smirk, "Oh, you lazy boy! Hide wherever you please, but mark my words, I will find you!"

Undeterred, the father went about his daily toils, leaving the unambitious son to concoct a plan. In a twist of fate, the young rebel transformed himself into a three-kernel peanut, thinking he had outsmarted his father. Little did he know, the universe had its own game in play.

A wandering chicken, clueless to the peanut's undercover transformation, scooped it up in its beak and gulped it down without a second thought. The plot thickened as a wild cat, stealthy and hungry, pounced on the unsuspecting chicken, making it the next link in this unforeseen chain of events.

In a dramatic turn, a dog entered the scene, chasing and capturing the cat in a chaotic dance of survival. The pursuit ended abruptly as the dog met its fate, becoming the prey of a massive python. The python, content with its canine feast, slithered to the river, unknowingly leading itself into a trap set by human hands—a fishing net.

Enter the father, unaware of the grand drama unfolding. As he inspected his fishing nets, he pulled one to the water's surface, only to be greeted by the sight of a colossal python caught in its meshes.

Curiosity turned to astonishment as he unraveled the serpentine mystery. Layer by layer, the father revealed a dog, within which lurked a cat, within which resided a chicken, and at the heart of it all—a three-kernel peanut.

The son, confined within the peanut's shell, stared wide-eyed at his father's triumphant face. The sheer shock that his elaborate hide-and-seek had led to this bizarre sequence of events left the son utterly flabbergasted and ashamed. 

From that day forward, the young rebel never dared to play hide-and-seek with his father again. The village, however, buzzed with tales of the unforgettable day when a simple game of hide-and-seek from hard work turned into an epic African folktale.


Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs

Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes

Awesome Kenyan Woman

Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone

African Kente Cloth Facts

Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

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

African Spirit Tree Test

Image
Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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

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