African Food and Art: Sharing History and Heritage

African Folklore Story of Huzuni the Sad Frog African Folklore Story of Huzuni the sad frog is a heart-wrenching story of a mother who was cruel and cold towards her two loving children. Adamou and Touka have more need of a kind mother than a cruel beating. African Folklore Story of Huzuni the Sad Frog Huzuni the sad frog As the elders say, there was a woman who lived in the town of Witu who had two children ages 8 and 6 whom she treated brutally. The children hide away one day and whispered together one day. The boy, Adamou, said to his sister, "Little sister, are you happy with our mother?" "No," answered the little girl, whose name was Touka. "She yells me and beats me for no reason, and I can never please her." "She was angry with me this morning," said Adamou, "and she beat me until I could cry no more.” "Let us run away," said Touka. "The animals and the trees will be good to us. They love us and we w

The lotus flower continues to captivate people around the world, just as it did in ancient Egypt. It's timeless beauty and rich symbolism serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of this majestic flower and its profound impact on Egypt's cultural and spiritual traditions.   Egyptian Lotus Flower The lotus flower is one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, with a long history in many Egyptian religious and cultural decorating ceremonies. Egyptians prized the lotus flower as it came to symbolize the Sun and creation. The lotus flower holds a revered place among the most beautiful flowers in the world, captivating with its elegant form and enchanting fragrance. Its significance goes far beyond its aesthetic appeal, as it played a significant role in ancient Egypt's religious and cultural ceremonies. Egyptians held the lotus flower in high regard, attributing deep symbolism to its existence. It became a symbol of the Sun and creation, representing the divine cyc

Kaldou Sea Bream Soup is a popular Senegalese fish recipe with a vegetable pottage that is close to soup. Sea bream is very versatile and used in many baked, fried, simmered and sautéed recipes of coastal Senegal. Kaldou Sea Bream Fish Soup Ingredients 2 cleaned medium size  sea bream 1 piece of guédji salted and dried fish 4 chopped white or yellow onions 2 large fresh diced tomatoes 2 diakhatou garden eggs chopped 1 clove chopped garlic           6 pieces of fresh chopped okra 1 tablespoon lemon juice 3 cups vegetable broth 2 handfuls of sorrel leaves 1 teaspoon chili pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon palm oil Directions In large pot heat oil add vegetables and spices cook 3 minutes. Add vegetable broth and guédji simmer 20 minutes. Meanwhile season bream with peppers add to vegetable broth and simmer 10 minutes. Serve with rice. Guédj (guédji or guédji) is a salted and dried fish that is used in soups and stews to heighten the taste. Guédj taste and smel

When life gets tough, people turn to a motivational African ASE proverb quote from the elders for encouragement. So read on and let them encourage you today and everyday. Ase. The Yoruba word Ase, pronounced AH SHAY is the divine force, energy, and power to make things happen. 15 Powerful African ASE Proverbs to Encourage You Today ASE Powerful Proverbs to Encourage You The words of the elders are blessed. The heavy hanging of the fruit does not mean it will fall from the tree. The path does not stop the walker from making the journey. A gourd gets smooth because of being passed around by many hands. Arriving ahead does not mean success in the raid. No hyena deserves to be entertained twice. A healer has no fame in his home.   The one who eats with a spoon does not know the one using fingers is burning. One who cooks two pots never fails to burn one. Do not judge a warrior by the strength of his muscles. Freshly cut firewood laughs at the one tha

African Lion DIY Sore Muscle Rub has been used for centuries under various names using heat from the pepper, mustard, peppermint and ginger plants to improve blood flow to drive away pain. African herbalists or inyanga have thousands of years of knowledge to look after the village treating illnesses using, plants growing in the garden and in the wild. Presently millions of Africans still have faith in the healing powers of the local herbalist. Ingredients 2 teaspoons ground red pepper 2 teaspoon ground ginger ½ cup olive vegetable or olive oil 2 drops essential peppermint oil 2 drops essential mustard oil Directions In a small saucepan add all ingredients carefully heat the oil up to body temperature or approximately 98 degrees Fahrenheit; if you accidentally allow the oil to get too hot, let it to cool to the proper temperature. Caution, do not overheat mixture or you will cause severe burns, only use mixture lukewarm which is 98 degrees F or 36 degrees Celsius.   Uses  Appl

By Chic African Culture Cameroon African Food Recipe Beef with okra sauce is one of the easiest simmered Cameroonian recipes to prepare. Cameroon beef with okra sauce is eaten with fufu to sop up the delicious okra sauce. Beef with okra sauce is a delicious one-pot stew that is loved by the people of Cameroon as well as the whole of West, East and Southern Africa . Cameroon Beef with Okra Sauce Recipe Serves 4 African food Total time from start to finish 1 hour 30 minutes Stew Nutrition facts: 310 calories , 3 grams fat Cameroon Beef with Okra Sauce Recipe Ingredients ½ pound beef strips 12 pieces fresh okra 1 large diced onion 2 chopped cloves garlic Salt and pepper to taste 2 maggi cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 cups beef stock Directions Heat oil in large saucepan and fry the chopped onion and chopped garlic. Add the meat, salt and pepper, let brown, add stock, cover and simmer covered for 1 hour. Finely chop okra add okra, and cu

By Chic African Culture African food recipe Pintade is a traditional Senegalese French kitchen recipe of grilled guinea fowl also known as Guinea Hens. The flavor of guinea fowl is between pheasant and chicken, a little gamey but not over the top. The guinea fowl is a wild bird found living across the African continent used in many popular African recipes. Guinea fowl is the food of choice for holiday meals. Pintade Guinea Fowl Recipe Serves 4 African food Total time from start to finish 55 minutes Stew Nutrition facts: 350 calories , 5 grams fat Pintade Pintade French Guinea Fowl Recipe Ingredients 1 guinea fowl about 3 1/2 lb. or 2 guinea fowl 2 pounds each, cut into serving pieces 2 large onions, diced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 whole bay leaf ½ teaspoon dried thyme 4 sprigs fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon fresh rosemary 5 cloves of garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon lemon juice 3 cups vegetable broth Salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablesp

Happily cooking in Cameroon Damn Good Cameroon DG Chicken Recipe By Chic African Culture African food recipe DG stands for Le Directeur Général in French or the boss man, general manager or the head person in charge; DG was a dish served only to the finest of guests because it is a dish that is often cooked to receive Cameroons aristocratic. This dish is made of chicken, plantains, vegetables and spices and is a national dish of Cameroon loved by everyone. Once you make DG Chicken, you will find DG stands for Damn Good. Cameroon cooking Damn Good Cameroon DG Chicken Recipe Serves 8 African food Total time from start to finish 55 minutes Chicken Stew Nutrition facts: 350 calories per serving, 7 grams fat Cameroon DG Chicken Recipe Ingredients 4 chicken thighs 2 large carrots, diced 2 large bell peppers, diced 2 large onions, diced 3 large tomatoes, diced Handful of parsley 4 celery stalks, diced 2 cups frozen green beans 2 yellow plantains, peeled and c

Africa has an epidemic of hate in historical kinship with white privilege, colonialism, apartheid, xenophobia, and tribalism. Hate is defined as the intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. Africa and hate have five things in common, White Privilege, Colonialism, Apartheid, Xenophobia, and Tribalism. Despite improvements in the security, tribalism and humanitarian situation in Darfur, continued deadly challenges remain. Africa and Hate Have Five Things In Common White Privilege The attitude of white supremacy and white privilege, the idea that white people are brought up with - that psyche of being above blacks - rests on their privilege and advantage over black people. It rests on the reality that each day of their lives, from birth, their lived experience as a collective is to be served by blacks. There must always be millions of black people available as cheap and easily dispos

Nutrition facts: 340 calories , 3 grams fat Make new to you South African yellow rice recipe. South African yellow rice is quick easy rice spiced with golden saffron, royal yellow turmeric, light yellow fresh ginger, golden raisins, manz butter. Shake up the American kitchen trying out this classic South African yellow rice recipe. South African Yellow Rice Recipe Serves 4 Nutrition facts: 340 calories, 3 grams fat Ingredients  1/4 cup butter  1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice  1 piece of stick cinnamon 2 inches long  1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric  1/2 teaspoon sugar  1/4 teaspoon ground saffron  1 teaspoon salt  1/2 cup seedless raisins  2 cup boiling water  Directions  In a heavy 2 to 3 quart saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat. When the foam begins to subside, add the rice and stir until the grains are coated with butter.  Do not let the rice brown.  Add the water, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron and salt and, stirring constantly, bring to boil over high heat. Reduce th

Petit Pois Senegal Green Peas Recipe Petit Pois is a favorite recipe of the West African country of Senegal. Petit Pois is an easy African recipe of green peas cooked with chicken in a rich onion sauce. Petit Pois Senegal Green Peas Recipe 2 chicken breasts cut into pieces 3 cups frozen peas 3 white onions, diced 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3 cloves fresh garlic 1 teaspoon vinegar 3 cups chicken broth Directions Over medium heat in a large lidded pot add oil then saute onions and spices 3 minutes. Brown meat in the pot with onions. Add water, cover pot cook 15 minutes. Add peas, stir well, simmer 5 minutes longer. Serve over rice. Green peas fresh from the garden Did you know? Approximately 70% of the population of Senegal is rural. Senegal’s economy is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fisheries and agriculture, which are the primary sources of employment in rural areas. Senegal’s main ag

Speak Swahili: 25 Easy Swahili Words to Impress Your Friends Speak Swahili | 25 Easy Swahili Words to Impress Your Friends Kiswahili or Swahili is one of the top ten languages spoken in Africa. The term Kiswahili is the Swahili word for the language itself, and it is spelled with a K in the beginning to indicate the noun class in Bantu languages. The spelling of Swahili without the Ki prefix is used in English and other languages, and it is believed to have originated from the Arabic word sawahil, which means coastal or borderland.  Swahili was used by Arab traders and explorers who traveled along the East African coast, and it was eventually adopted by European colonizers and linguists who encountered the language. Today, both Kiswahili and Swahili are commonly used to refer to the language, with Kiswahili being the preferred term among native speakers and linguists. Swahili is spoken in the African countries of Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic

Easy Arabic Salad and Dressing Salad is a universal recipe; salad is easy to make, healthy and versatile. Easy Arabic Salad and Dressing makes eating healthier a bit easier by infusing Arab seasonings, olives and mint leaves to create the perfect healthy salad. Easy Arabic Salad and Dressing Serves 2 Healthy Salad Total time from start to finish 20 minutes Low Calorie Food Nutrition facts: 110 calories , 2 grams fat Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves 1/2 head iceberg lettuce 1 large tomato, diced 1 large cucumber, sliced Amount to your taste of green olives Amount to your taste of black olives Arabic Salad Dressing Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 teaspoon Baharat spice 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds Directions Combine all the ingredients, pour the dressing on top of the Arabic salad, mix and serve. Did you know? The Arabic language is the most widely-spoken languages in Africa. One of the offic

In life, attitude is everything; read your attitude African Proverbs As the ancestors say, if you really want to be happy, be happy. Your number one mission in life is to create and maintain a positive attitude for yourself and everyone around. When you have an attitude of hopefulness, belief and enthusiasm, prospects grow and difficulties disappear. Attitude is one of the most commonly used and yet most misunderstood words. Attitude, a word frequently uttered and yet frequently misconstrued, holds profound significance in our lives. Often used in conversation, its true essence eludes many, concealing its transformative power and deeper meaning.  Attitude encompasses more than mere words or surface-level expressions; it encompasses the very fabric of our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. It shapes our perception of the world, influences our actions, and molds our destiny. Understanding the intricate nuances of attitude empowers us to navigate life's ebbs. It flows with wisdom, r

Tea Steamed Fish Tea Steamed African fish recipe is a simple delicate flavor fish recipe. It takes less than 30 minutes, start to finish, and is delightful. The key ingredient to this African steamed fish recipe is high quality dried tea leaves. A perfectly steamed fish has flesh that is cooked to the bone but never dry. Tea Steamed Fish African Recipe Ingredients 4 white fish fillets 1 tablespoon dried tea leaves 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt to taste Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut four foil squares large enough for each fillet. Center fillets on top of tea leaves and sprinkle each with salt. Sprinkle lemon juice over each fillet. Fold foil over fillets to make a pocket and fold the edges to seal. Place sealed packets on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 30 minutes. Serve with plantains, cassava or rice. Did you know Africa super fish the sardine, tilapia, and Ni

Life and Death of the First African Nobel Prizewinner Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli Albert John Luthuli Nobel Peace Prize body of work was molded by the pattern of the Zulu African tribal community and by the influence of Christianity. Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli was the first African Nobel prizewinner for Peace advocating non-violent resistance to racial discrimination in South Africa. He believed in and fought for full political, economic and social opportunities for the oppressed people of South Africa.  Luthuli  was nominated in 1960 and received his Nobel Prize one year later, in 1961. The Life and Death of Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli b. 1898 - d. 1967 Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli and family In South Africa, nonwhites are denied all right to participate in the government of the state. They are discriminated against legally, economically, and socially. And this discrimination between whites and nonwhites was growing steadily, this is where Luthuli ins