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.

Pâté de Volaille Chicken Liver Pâté

Pâté de Volaille or Chicken Liver Pâté has French influence in former African colonies and introduced culinary traditions, ingredients, and techniques.

Pâté de Volaille Chicken Liver Pâté

The French influence on former African countries resulted from the colonial era, during which French settlers introduced their culinary traditions, ingredients, and cooking techniques to the local populations of Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire. Over time, a fusion of French and local culinary practices occurred, developing unique and diverse culinary styles in these countries. 

Pâté comes in various forms and flavors, ranging from classic chicken liver pâté to duck liver pâté known as foie gras, as well as vegetarian versions made with mushrooms or lentils. Pâté is often seasoned with herbs and spices and sometimes fortified with alcohol like brandy or cognac. Depending on the recipe and personal preference, it can be served hot, warm, or chilled. Pâté is commonly spread on bread, crackers, or toast and enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or part of a charcuterie board. It is known for its rich, savory taste and luxurious texture.

Pâté de Volaille Chicken Liver Pâté

Pâté de Volaille, which translates to poultry pâté, is a dish that has its roots in French cuisine but also finds its variations and influences in African cooking.

In French cuisine, Pâté de Volaille typically consists of ground or minced poultry, such as chicken or turkey, mixed with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes spices. The mixture is often enriched with ingredients like cream, eggs, or butter to enhance the texture and flavor. The resulting paste is typically baked in a terrine or a loaf shape until cooked through and set. It is then served chilled or at room temperature, often sliced and enjoyed as an appetizer or part of a charcuterie platter.

In African countries with French culinary influences, such as former French colonies, Pâté de Volaille takes on a similar concept but may incorporate local ingredients and flavors. For instance, in countries like Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, or Cameroon, Pâté de Volaille might feature local poultry varieties, such as guinea fowl or native chicken, in place of the traditional French chicken or turkey. Local herbs, spices, and seasonings might also be incorporated to give the dish an African twist.

The French influence on Pâté de Volaille in Africa can be seen in the technique of combining minced or ground poultry with other ingredients to create a flavorful paste. The use of herbs, spices, aromatics, and baking or chilling method for setting the pâté all stem from French culinary traditions. Additionally, the concept of serving Pâté de Volaille as an appetizer or part of a larger spread, alongside bread or crackers, is influenced by French culinary customs.

The blending of French and African culinary influences in dishes like Pâté de Volaille reflects the rich and dynamic nature of culinary traditions in these regions. It highlights the ability to combine different ingredients, techniques, and flavors to create unique and delicious dishes that draw from both French and African culinary heritages.

We are delighted to tell you how to make Pâté de Volaille which is offal. Offal refers to the organs and other edible parts of an animal that are not typically consumed as standalone cuts of meat. This includes organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, and tripe and other parts like the tongue and sweetbreads.

The history of eating offal dates back centuries and can be found in various cultures around the world. In many traditional cuisines, using every part of an animal was essential to avoid waste and make the most of the available resources. People realized that offal provided valuable nutrients and offered unique flavors and textures.

Now, why should people consider incorporating offal into their diets? Well, offal is incredibly nutritious! It tends to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. For example, the liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. The heart is high in protein and contains coenzyme Q10, which benefits heart health. Kidneys are packed with vitamins and minerals like selenium and zinc. So, by including offal in your meals, you can enjoy a wide range of nutrients that might not be as abundant in other cuts of meat.

Additionally, eating offal can be a sustainable and ethical choice. It promotes the idea of nose-to-tail eating, reducing food waste, and making use of the entire animal. By exploring offal recipes, you can discover new flavors, expand your culinary horizons, and embrace a more adventurous and environmentally conscious approach to eating.

Pâté de Volaille Chicken Liver Pâté

If you're a beginner looking to try offal, a simple recipe to start with is Pâté de Volaille or Chicken Liver Pâté. 

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken livers

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

4 tablespoons of salted butter

1 shot of brandy

Salt and pepper to taste

Toast or crackers for serving


Directions

Rinse the chicken livers under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.

Push the onion and garlic to the side of the skillet and add the chicken livers. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they are browned on the outside but still slightly pink on the inside.

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brandy. Season with salt and pepper.

Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Transfer the pâté to a serving dish and refrigerate for a few hours until it firms up.

Serve chilled with toasted bread or crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs.

holding a beautiful serving plate of Chicken Liver Pâté in Senegal

The blending of French influences continues to shape the vibrant and varied cuisines found in these African nations today.

Algeria was a French colony from 1830 to 1962. The French influence on Algerian cuisine can be seen in dishes like couscous, which became popular during the colonial period. French baking techniques and ingredients, such as bread and pastries, also made their way into Algerian cuisine.

Morocco was under French control from 1912 to 1956. The French influence on Moroccan cuisine is evident in blending French and Moroccan culinary techniques and ingredients. French-inspired pastries and bread, such as baguettes and croissants, can be found alongside traditional Moroccan dishes like tagines and couscous.

Tunisia was a French protectorate from 1881 to 1956. French influences can be seen in Tunisian cuisine, particularly in using ingredients like butter, tomatoes, and potatoes. French pastries and baked goods have also become popular in Tunisia.

Senegal was a French colony until it gained independence in 1960. The French influence on Senegalese cuisine is evident in dishes such as thieboudienne, a rice and fish dish incorporating French culinary techniques and ingredients like tomatoes and spices.

Côte d'Ivoire was a French colony until it gained independence in 1960. French influences can be seen in Ivorian cuisine through the use of baguettes, French cheeses, and pastries. French culinary techniques have also influenced the preparation of certain dishes.

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

African Men Shaped Canada’s History

Image
Mathieu Da Costa: Canada’s First Recorded Black Person Mathieu Da Costa holds a unique place in Canadian history as the first recorded Black person to set foot in what is now Canada. Mathieu Da Costa's linguistic abilities mediated fur trade prices and trading routes between Europeans and Africans using intellect, tact and cunning. A Linguistic Bridge Across Cultures Da Costa’s carefully honed multilingual skills included European languages such as French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Indigenous languages. These abilities made him an invaluable asset to explorers and merchants conducting trade and diplomacy across continents.  His fluency allowed him to have the freedom to travel, forge relationships and communicate effectively across cultural divides, ensuring the success of expeditions led by figures like Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Mons. Mathieu Da Costa worked with prominent figures of early Canadian exploration, including Samuel de Champlain and Pierre Dugua, Sieu...
Read the full post here

Greek Obsession with Ethiopia

Image
Ethiopia: How Ancient Greece Imagined a Distant Land. The ancient Greeks were fascinated by Ethiopia , placing it at the edge of the known world. Drawn by dreams of wealth and the pursuit of mathematical knowledge and scientific marvels, the Greeks also sought riches such as gold, ivory, ebony, and exotic animals. These goods were highly prized in the Greek world , promising great wealth and peril to those who dared to venture to this distant land. Distance and Travel to Ethiopia. Sea travel was the primary means of long-distance travel for the ancient Greeks . A sea voyage along the African coast to the regions they considered Ethiopia would have taken several weeks to a few months. Sea voyages were fraught with dangers. Ships were vulnerable to storms, which could capsize or drive them off course.  Pirates posed a constant threat, targeting both seafaring vessels and coastal settlements. Navigation was challenging, relying on knowledge of stars, coastlines, and rudimentary instru...
Read the full post here

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