Introduction: Ripe bananas are mashed into a light batter and fried until golden in this simple, widely loved Congolese sweet treat. Cultural Background: Ripe bananas are mashed into a light batter and fried until golden in this simple, widely loved Congolese sweet treat. Sold by street vendors and made at home alike, these fritters are […]
Introduction: In Dominica, ‘fig’ refers to the green banana rather than the fruit fig, a naming convention inherited from British Caribbean tradition. Cultural Background: In Dominica, ‘fig’ refers to the green banana rather than the fruit fig, a naming convention inherited from British Caribbean tradition. Boiled and dressed while warm, green fig salad is a […]
Introduction: These simple banana fritters reflect the influence of neighbouring Somalia and Yemen, where ripe bananas are mashed and fried into golden, lightly sweet treats. Cultural Background: These simple banana fritters reflect the influence of neighbouring Somalia and Yemen, where ripe bananas are mashed and fried into golden, lightly sweet treats. A French colonial touch […]
Introduction: Poke is a beloved Polynesian pudding found throughout the Cook Islands, made by baking mashed pumpkin or banana with arrowroot and topping it with sweet coconut cream. Cultural Background: Poke is a beloved Polynesian pudding found throughout the Cook Islands, made by baking mashed pumpkin or banana with arrowroot and topping it with sweet […]
Introduction: The umu, or earth oven, is central to Cook Islands feasting: hot volcanic stones are used to slow-roast whole cuts of pork alongside breadfruit and taro wrapped in banana leaves. Cultural Background: The umu, or earth oven, is central to Cook Islands feasting: hot volcanic stones are used to slow-roast whole cuts of pork […]
Introduction: Wrapped and baked in banana leaf, these fish and taro parcels are traditionally prepared for special occasions such as Gospel Day celebrations and island nights, when food is served to large gathered communities and the banana leaf wrapping keeps the fish moist and fragrant. Cultural Background: Wrapped and baked in banana leaf, these fish […]
Introduction: Making good use of the abundant bananas grown throughout the country, this moist, simply spiced banana cake reflects the French colonial influence on baking traditions blended with local tropical ingredients. Cultural Background: Making good use of the abundant bananas grown throughout the country, this moist, simply spiced banana cake reflects the French colonial influence […]
Introduction: Koki is a savory steamed pudding made from peeled, ground black-eyed peas, palm oil and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-steamed for hours. Cultural Background: Koki is a savory steamed pudding made from peeled, ground black-eyed peas, palm oil and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-steamed for hours. It is a signature […]
Introduction: These sweet banana fritters, made from mashed ripe banana folded into a light batter and deep-fried, are a favourite dessert or sweet snack across Cameroon, often prepared to use up very ripe bananas before they spoil, transforming humble overripe fruit into a golden, crisp-edged treat. Cultural Background: These sweet banana fritters, made from mashed […]
Introduction: Baton de manioc is a dense, tangy fermented cassava dough wrapped and steamed inside banana or plantain leaves, forming firm, sliceable logs. Cultural Background: Baton de manioc is a dense, tangy fermented cassava dough wrapped and steamed inside banana or plantain leaves, forming firm, sliceable logs. A staple across Central Africa and widely eaten […]