When discovering a new cuisine, it's easy to make mistakes when preparing dishes. This may be due to a lack of experience or simply a lack of familiarity with the ingredients and cooking techniques specific to that culture. Today, we're going to talk about common mistakes to avoid when preparing African dishes.
1. Not cooking vegetables properly (e.g. cassava and plantain)
These two ingredients are very common in African cuisine, and it's important to cook them properly to obtain a tasty dish. Cassava should be cooked until tender, but not too soft, or it will lose its texture and flavor. As for plantain, it should be cooked thoroughly so that it can be easily mashed or chopped into a dish.
Tip: To check if the cassava or plantain is cooked, prick it with a knife. If it goes in easily, it's ready!
2. Using too many spices
African cuisine is renowned for its spices, which add flavor and aroma to dishes. However, it's important to use them sparingly, as using too many spices can alter the flavor of the dish and make it overpowering. Always start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Tip: If you're heavy-handed with spices, add a little coconut milk or yogurt to your dish to mellow out the flavors.
3. Not respecting the marinating times
Marinating is an essential step in preparing African dishes. It allows the ingredients to absorb the spices and flavors for an even more flavorful result. It is therefore important to follow the marinating times indicated in the recipes to obtain a perfectly balanced dish.
Tip: If you're short on time, let your ingredients marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
4. Forgetting the side dishes
African dishes are often accompanied by a grain or starchy food such as rice, couscous, or cassava. It's important not to neglect these side dishes, which add a finishing touch to your dish and also help absorb the sauces and spices. Don't hesitate to vary your side dishes to discover new flavors!
With these tips, you're now ready to prepare delicious and authentic African dishes! Feel free to explore our online store nkosiagro.com to discover a selection of quality African products that will allow you to create delicious recipes. Enjoy your meal!
