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.

Recipe Sudanese Moukhbaza something sweet and spicy

What is the most popular food in Eastern Sudan; homemade Sudanese Moukhbaza of course.

Moukhbaza something sweet and spicy recipe
Recipe Sudanese Moukhbaza something sweet an spicy

Sudanese cuisine is varied by region and Moukhbaza is a favorite recipe in East Sudan.

Moukhbaza something sweet and spicy recipe.
Sudanese cuisine is as diverse as its geography and cultures. Traders and Arab settlers brought red pepper, garlic, and other hot peppers to Sudan from the Mediterranean who came to Sudan during the Turkish rule. In the east, the most popular dish is Moukhbaza made of banana paste topped with chili peppers; this dish is greatly influenced by its neighbor
Ethiopia.

Sudanese meals are eaten around a large, communal tray on which various meat, vegetable, salads, and sauce dishes are placed eaten with the right hand or using flatbread. Moukhbaza is usually eaten with another Sudanese all-time favorite recipe, kirsa bread.

Moukhbaza is made from mashed ripe bananas smothered with hot peppers. This sweet and spicy combination is popular in Sudanese cuisines. Sweet ripe bananas are brought to life when mixed with hot, spicy chilies; your taste buds will not even know what to do with themselves. 

Nibbling a sweet treat is a truly delicious thing. Nevertheless, discovering that perfect balance of sweet and spicy combine in Sudanese Moukhbaza is something that will hit all your senses. Dried chili peppers add so many flavors to Sudanese cooking.

Hint: When bananas are really ripe, you can mash with a fork and with very little effort and wear rubber gloves before cutting chili peppers.

Moukhbaza something sweet and spicy recipe
Ingredients
4 large very ripe bananas
2 teaspoons lemon juice
5 whole fresh hot chili peppers

Directions
Cut your peppers in tiny slivers so it dries out faster. Place single layer on a baking sheet, and then toast them in a 125-degree oven for about 4 hours. Remove peels and place bananas in a bowl. 

Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas well. For each cup of mashed banana, add one teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.

In a large bowl add mashed bananas and top with dried hot peppers. For a prettier presentation cut a banana pepper in half lengthwise, bake for 10 minutes on a 325-degree oven, cool peppers slightly and stuff with mashed bananas and serve.

Did you know 
Fresh hot peppers can be dried in the oven at a very low temperature, dried in the sun, in a food dehydrator, or by stringing them up in a dry place. 

When drying hot peppers in the sun, lay peppers flat on a large cookie sheet in a single layer in direct sunlight and cover with a thin screen mesh, flip peppers every few days.

Fresh hot peppers drying in the sun naturally
Fresh hot peppers drying in the sun naturally

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

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