The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

Air Fryer Fufu Fries with Spicy African Ketchup French fry lovers, meet your new obsession — fufu fries . These golden sticks are crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle, and a little thicker than classic fries. Made by shaping firm fufu into fries and air frying until crunchy, they’re perfect for dipping into a bold spicy African ketchup . Think of them as fries with a West African soul — mild in flavor, smooth and starchy, ready to soak up seasonings and sauces. Plantain Fufu Dough for Fries Ingredients 3 green or yellow plantains 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt Water for boiling Directions: Make the Dough Peel and cut plantains evenly. Place in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until tender — about 20 minutes. Drain completely, spread the cooked plantains on a sheet pan, and cool for 1 hour. In a mixer, knead plantains with salt and flour until a medium-firm dough forms. Adjust salt to taste. Directions: Air Fry the...

Listen to the African Folktale of the Unyielding Tree The African folktale of the Unyielding Tree reflects the scientific truth that deciduous trees are programmed by their genetic makeup to shed their leaves and change colors, regardless of where they are planted.  The tree’s internal clock responds to changes in light and temperature, staying true to its purpose despite being surrounded by different kinds of trees.  People are born with unique destinies.  The Unyielding Tree is a folktale for those who feel lost.  It is a story about embracing your unique purpose even when the world around you tries to make you feel bad for being different. You are not lost; they are. FolkTale of the Unyielding Tree.  A Tale for Those Who Feel Lost As Elders gather around the fading light of the fire, their voices low and steady, the weave the story of a peculiar tree named Nkrumah.  Unlike the other trees in the region, Nkrumah bore leaves that changed colors with the se...

Aligning global human rights standards with local customs regulating child marriages in Nigeria requires a sensitive and respectful approach from the international community. According to Emory university, study on laws in Nigeria, there are three types of legal systems customary, Islamic and English style law. Local customary laws reflect the history, values, and beliefs passed down through generations playing an important role in shaping the social, cultural, and moral fabric of a community.  In many states in Nigeria, Islamic laws govern all aspects of life, such as marriage, family structures, and community interactions, and are seen as vital for maintaining social harmony and order.  Both these customary laws also serve as mechanisms for resolving disputes, preserving traditions, and sustaining community bonds. Local and Islamic customs are important and can sometimes clash with English style human rights laws and principles.  For instance, practices like child marri...

Mr. Dawit Isaak is the longest-held journalist imprisoned in Africa. He has been detained since September 2001, making it over 23 years without a trial or formal charges from the Eritrean government. Dawit Isaak is a Swedish-Eritrean journalist, writer, and activist, unfortunately best known for his long-term imprisonment in Eritrea, located on the Horn of Africa. He was detained by the Eritrean government without trial. According to his supporters, he was arrested due to his work as a journalist advocating for democracy and freedom of expression.  Discover more African authors and book-centered history in the African Bookshelf Hub . But to his detractors, he is known as a traitor to the Eritrean government by amplifying dissenting voices. Isaak was seen as challenging the regime and undermining national unity, which the government equates with loyalty. Get To Know Dawit Isaak  Dawit Isaak  was born on October 27, 1964, in Asmara, Eritrea. In the 1980s, he f...

Culinary Bridges: Korea and Africa Ingredient Connections Culinary Bridges Deep Connections Between Korean & African Ingredients While Korean and African cuisines developed continents apart, they share remarkable parallels in their relationship with fundamental ingredients. This exploration reveals how similar culinary challenges led to convergent evolution in food traditions, where different ingredients serve analogous purposes across cultures. Related perspectives: African cooking knowledge Historical cultural exchange Fermentation Traditions Korea Kimchi & Jang Lactic acid fermentation preserves vegetables and soy, producing kimchi, doenjang, and gochujang — iconic flavor pillars. Africa Fermented Porridges & Sauces Sorghum and maize porridges like ogi/uji and fermented locust b...

STEM Through African Folklore | Science & Folklore Hub Free Classroom PDF — Anansi’s Bridge Challenge Teach engineering through West African folklore with this printable lesson pack. Students explore bridge design, test materials, and reflect on the wisdom of Anansi. Download Free PDF What You'll Get Authentic Folktale Adapted Anansi story with cultural context. Hands-On STEM Three complete bridge-building challenges. Worksheets Design, test, reflect, connect. Teacher Materials Easy to teach, print-ready format. Inside the Kit Full Anansi folktale adaptation 3 progressive building challenges Materials list (easy household items) Vocabulary guide Assess...

Let the spirit of the bird you are reveal itself. Greetings fellow spiritual birdwatchers. In the savanna's, cities and forests of Africa, each unique bird carries its own spirit. Some are bold hunters; others are clever watchers.  The red-billed quelea bird Answer these questions as a true observer of nature would, and let the spirit of the birds guide you to your own. Keep track of your answers, and you’ll discover the bird that matches the rhythm of your soul. Which African Spiritual Bird Are You? Choose the answer that best matches  your preferences or personality. 1. How would you describe yourself in a group? a) A natural leader, guiding others with confidence. b) Quiet and observant, noticing everything around you. c) Sociable and talkative, the life of the party. d) Independent and prefer to be alone. 2. What kind of environment do you thrive in? a) Open savannahs and grasslands. b) Dense forests with lots of hiding spots. c) Anywhere there’s a community to engage wit...