Donate to Save Human History

The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Ablo African Steamed Bread Recipe

African Food, Bread Recipe
Ablo is a traditional Benin and Togo steamed fermented bread recipe.

Ablo African Steamed Bread Recipe



Ablo steamed bread African food recipe takes a few days to complete in order for the dough to ferment giving ablo a unique sourdough flavor.


Ablo steamed bread African food recipe takes a few days to complete in order for the dough to ferment giving ablo a unique sourdough flavor. After fermentation, the ablo is wrapped in cornhusks and steamed.


Ablo African Steamed Bread Recipe

Ingredients
Lukewarm water
3 cups white cornmeal
½ teaspoon salt1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal and salt with just enough warm water to form stiff dough. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth. Set in a warm place for two days to ferment. Using prepared fresh or dry corn-husks brushed inside with oil, place dough in the middle of husks making sure the husk is curling around the dough. Place a second husk over the first and tie the ends with string or fold under the ends. Use a food steamer to cook aboloo or steam, tightly covered, over briskly boiling water for 20 minutes. Leftover aboloo can be frozen.

Aboloo is a steamed fermented cornbread recipe from Ghana which is made in the same way as Benin and Togo Ablo. Aboloo and Ablo is eaten with a variety stews and soups.

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

⋯ ✦ ⋯

Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

Join The African Gourmet Newsletter

Join our African Gourmet Newsletter to get new folktales, recipes, and history every month.

Includes a light snack idea every month 🍊

African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions