Jollof, definitions Noun. Verb. of a red, spiced rice dish loved in every city and town ‘South of the Sahara’ and along the coast of West Africa. Synonyms: Djolof, Benachim (Gambia); Thiéboudienne (Senegal) to cook in a red, tomato-based sauce: ‘Jollof beans’ – a one pot dish of beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce. West African-speak. denoting a state of enjoyment: ‘see her, she’s jollofing’ (she’s enjoying herself and I’m not!). Nigerian-speak. Synonyms: enjoyment, pleasure —–00000—–
Garden Egg Bake with Cheese & Sugo
And on and on and on – Part 2 of the Baked Garri-crusted Garden Eggs. It involves a bake. Ideally, I would have like this to feature the baked garden eggs, a spicy sauce and Wara, locally produced cheese. Well, though I didn’t meet the ultimate test in my head, the end result was pretty awesome. So, I couldn’t find Wara but the Mozzarella I used created a luscious dish. This is the Nigerian version of the Italian Eggplant Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan), using Nigerian Garden Eggs to create a three-component layered dish with Baked garden eggs, Sugo (tomato sauce) and...
Nigerian Small Chops: Baked Garri-crusted Garden Eggs
I am fascinated by how ideas come, how they’re created – so many elements, some seemingly random, yet they come together to test concepts, fuse thoughts and generally do something ‘new’. Like with garden eggs. I think I like the whole exploration, the journey, the process of building, of constructing, of putting together. I like that as much as I like seeing the end result. This creation of garri-crusted garden eggs began months ago. And quite by accident. For my own learning, I’m going to chart the course. Garri (also known as gari, garry, or tapioca) is a popular West...
Quick & Easy: Ideas for Breakfast/ Part 2
Fruit. Fruit. Fruit. In Part 1, I shared a few of my favourites which are largely carb-based. In Part 2, I share my fruit-heavy breakfasts which tend to be fruit bowls and smoothies.
Quick & Easy: Ideas for Breakfast/ Part 1
I don’t joke with my food – not breakfast, lunch or dinner. I have a fondness for breakfast for it sets me up for the rest of the day. Especially at the weekend when I can mess about and cook all sorts. Here are a few quick and easy recipes, for hectic week mornings and leisurely weekend feasts – quick, easy and delicious. In Part 1, I share a few of my favourites which are largely carb-based. In Part 2, I’ll share my fruit-heavy breakfasts. Stay tuned :). Tip: Add fruits and nuts, yogurt or other dairy for substance.
The Art of The Savoury Salad
I love salads. What a lame beginning. I’m unsure of myself here. Today. On my own blog. I can’t believe its been three months since I was here last. Sigh, life is happening even as we speak. And still, I love salads. And I’m here. Showing up on the page. Talking about the wonders of savoury salads. Of colours and textures, of layers and flavours. And green and root vegetables. I’m of the opinion that there is a general formula for salads and its always about balance – therein lies the art. About that combination of sweet and salty,...
Lime Fever: 30 Things to do with Limes
mswanawana wrote on Instagram: ‘Its official. You are obsessed with limes. Get on with the lime and lemon grass cordial’ Limes. Zip. Zing. Zest. Great with sweet – mangoes, ripe plantains, pawpaw, perfect with spice, like cardamom; herbs like mint and tang, like yogurt. Pushed and prodded by Miss Wana Wana on Instagram, I decided to share my favourite ways to make them bed and mouth fellow.
Jollof Beans
I love stewed beans. Or Jollof beans as we would call it in Nigeria. Beans cooked in a tomato sauce. Except my sauce is more onions and peppers than tomatoes. But it still ends up with the Jollof ‘hue’, a cross between deep orange and red. Jollof. Today, I share my beloved recipe for ‘stewed’ beans: Brown beans pre-cooked, then finished in an oniony sauce, reddened with palm oil. This bean dish can be cooked with white or brown beans. I prefer brown beans especially a variety known by the Yorubas as ‘Oloyin’, meaning honey. Of sweetness.
Frejon: Of Nigerian And Brazilian History
Connectedness. The thing that fascinates me the most in life. If I had to narrow down the things I find fascinating. This would be one of them. Connectedness – of people, places and things. Brazil. Nigeria. Connected. By slavery and freedom. In culture and cuisine. Like Carnivals. Connected, with thick tropical rainforests and love for football. Connected in cuisine. Some of which I’ve explored before, from Bean Fritters to Plantain salads.