Introduction: Mandazi are lightly sweetened, triangular fried breads found across the African Great Lakes and East African coast, brought inland along historic trade routes. Cultural Background: Mandazi are lightly sweetened, triangular fried breads found across the African Great Lakes and East African coast, brought inland along historic trade routes. In Burundi they are a favourite […]
Introduction: This nourishing soup combines leafy greens, such as amaranth or pumpkin leaves, with ground peanuts to create a creamy, savoury broth typical of the peanut-based sauces found throughout the African Great Lakes region. Cultural Background: This nourishing soup combines leafy greens, such as amaranth or pumpkin leaves, with ground peanuts to create a creamy, […]
Introduction: Roasted plantains are a beloved side across Burundi, cooked over hot coals until the skins char and the flesh turns soft and lightly caramelised. Cultural Background: Roasted plantains are a beloved side across Burundi, cooked over hot coals until the skins char and the flesh turns soft and lightly caramelised. Street vendors and home […]
Introduction: Burundi grows an extraordinary variety of bananas, and this simple dessert of pan-caramelised sweet bananas glazed in local honey highlights the fruit at its best. Cultural Background: Burundi grows an extraordinary variety of bananas, and this simple dessert of pan-caramelised sweet bananas glazed in local honey highlights the fruit at its best. It is […]
Introduction: Peanuts, grown widely across Burkina Faso, form the base of this rich, warming soup that appears at family tables throughout the year. Cultural Background: Peanuts, grown widely across Burkina Faso, form the base of this rich, warming soup that appears at family tables throughout the year. Its velvety texture and deep nutty flavour make […]
Introduction: This slow-cooked stew, simmered until the meat is meltingly tender in a thick peanut-based sauce, is a mainstay of Burkinabe home cooking. Cultural Background: This slow-cooked stew, simmered until the meat is meltingly tender in a thick peanut-based sauce, is a mainstay of Burkinabe home cooking. It is traditionally eaten with tô or rice, […]
Introduction: Garash is a beloved Bulgarian layer cake of walnut sponge and rich chocolate buttercream, invented in mid-20th-century Sofia and now a fixture of birthdays and celebrations nationwide. Cultural Background: Garash is a beloved Bulgarian layer cake of walnut sponge and rich chocolate buttercream, invented in mid-20th-century Sofia and now a fixture of birthdays and […]
Introduction: This baked cheese dish layers sirene with tomato, peppers and a cracked egg, baked in individual clay ramekins until bubbling. Cultural Background: This baked cheese dish layers sirene with tomato, peppers and a cracked egg, baked in individual clay ramekins until bubbling. Named for the Shopi region around Sofia, it's a classic starter in […]
Introduction: A rich, garlicky, paprika-spiked tripe soup long regarded as a hangover cure and cold-weather staple, Shkembe Chorba is served in traditional Bulgarian eateries with vinegar, chili oil and garlic milk on the side to season individually. Cultural Background: A rich, garlicky, paprika-spiked tripe soup long regarded as a hangover cure and cold-weather staple, Shkembe […]
Introduction: Kachamak is a rustic cornmeal mash similar to polenta, historically a peasant staple in mountainous regions, traditionally enriched with sirene cheese and butter and served alongside stews or as a simple standalone dish. Cultural Background: Kachamak is a rustic cornmeal mash similar to polenta, historically a peasant staple in mountainous regions, traditionally enriched with […]