By Nayana Mena Introduction: What is Tilapia? Tilapia is the name given to a multitude of fish that derive from the species of ‘Cichlid’ fish. They are typically found in freshwater environments which include streams, ponds, rivers and lakes and are known to be plant – eating, which make them even more fresh and delicious […]
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Fall In Love with Puff-Puff.
By Nayana Mena (African Plate) What Is A “puff-puff”? Puff-Puff, also known as Mikate, Kala, Togbei, Dumplin or Beignet is a popular West African delicacy that is essentially a sweet, fluffy ‘Doughnut’. It is a deep fried dough that is uncomplicated to make and is deliciously addicting, so you’ll definitely want to give it a […]
Plantains (Part 2)
Here is Part 2 of our ‘plantain information series’! To boil unpeeled green plantain, cut the plantain into equal lengths of about ten cm. Wash and place them in a pot with enough cold water to cover. Cook until soft. Remove the skin and arrange on a serving dish. Sprinkle with African Plate Cameroon Pepper […]
Plantains
Plantain (musa sapientum) is commonly known as the cooking banana. Both plantains and bananas are important sources of carbohydrate. In West Africa, bananas are usually eaten ripe as a fruit. Cooked green plantain is one of the main staple foods in the Delta region of Nigeria. Cooked ripe plantain (dodo) is enjoyed throughout Nigeria. Ripe […]
Maize
Maize is the most important cereal crop grown in the southern parts of Nigeria, but it is popular throughout the country. It is eaten fresh, roasted or boiled, and the dried kernels are ground or fermented for various foods. While maize proteins are of a relatively poor quality, improved varieties are being introduced. Maize is […]
Beans (Cowpea) Paste – Part 2
We gave you an introduction last week into the production of cowpea (black eyed beans) paste, which is the foundation of so many West African dishes. In Part II of our blog, we are going to continue the education. Once cleaned and hulled, the cowpeas should be ground in a blender that is capable of […]
Beans (Cowpea) Paste
Beans are a staple in most African households, and increasingly even in the Western house with the recent embracing of vegan lifestyles. Being innovative people, Africans have established a plethora of flavoursome dishes which have cowpeas as their base. Popular examples are moin moin and akara. These dishes start off as cowpea paste and then […]
Beans and Plantain Pottage Recipe
Many legumes are used in cooking throughout Africa. While the pods of most of them can be eaten when fresh and young as a green vegetable, the vast majority of ‘beans and peas’ are dried. The most widespread and readily available bean is the cowpea (otherwise known as black eyed peas), of which there are […]
Cassava (garri)
Cassava (Manihot utilissima) is commonly known as manioc, tapioca or arrowroot. In Yoruba it is called Ege, in Ibo it is Akpu and in Hausa it is Rogo. Cassava is believed to have been introduced into West Africa from Brazil by Portuguese explorers. It is now one of the most widely cultivated staple foods. It […]
Locust Beans (Iru)
Locust Beans are called iru in Yoruba, Eginili Igala in Ibo, Ete Edi Uku in Efik and Kalwa in Hausa. The fruit of the African locust bean tree has a pulp in which is embedded many small seeds. The pulp is dried in some areas for addition to soups, rice and cereals. A drink called […]