Illustration by Professor Sterling Haynes

Indulge in African food to add excitement to a routine dinner schedule. Jollof rice is a West African dish. Prepared by cooking rice with tomato and pepper sauce. Seasoned with garlic, curry powder, marjoram and African spices. Jollof rice is frequently served with fried plantains, chicken, and spinach.

The dish originated from the Jollof tribe of the Wolof empire. The Wolof empire ruled the Senegambian region of West Africa circa 1300s.

There is a friendly rivalry between the West African countries of Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal as who prepares the best version of Jollof rice. Differences between the nations are choices of rice, spices, and cooking preparation.

Afromeals is a cooking class and catering business located at Findlay Kitchen 1719 Elms Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 2016 by Chef Gabi Odebode. Born in Ghana, she was surrounded by a culture of family, cooking, and service. The business started in Maryland and later moved to Cincinnati.

Join in on live and online cooking tutorials of Caribbean and African cuisine. Participants learn about ingredients, techniques, traditions, and history. The most popular cooking classes are a tour of Africa and a taste of West Africa: Jollof rice.

I attended the Jollof rice live cooking class in February. Participants have their own cooking stations. I am known for not being a good cook. Yet Chef Gabi instructed me to create an entire delicious meal. She has a wonderful personality, passion, and rich knowledge of African Cuisine.

Chef Gabi has her own brand of Afromeals seasonings available at Jungle Jims, Cincinnati retailers, and her website. The seasoning value pack is the best option, which contains a choice of five seasonings.

Attending a cooking class with Afromeals is a fun experience to enjoy the richness of African history. A great place for date night, corporate events, outings for meetup groups, and learning how to cook. Afromeals also offers gift cards which makes for a wonderful exchange of friendship.

Cartoon characters Yolanda, Bostwick and Lenny are created by Sterling Haynes.

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1 Comment

  1. A black man at head of the table in a cartoon is nice to see.
    Recipes on African food
    it’s the type of food that is ours as a people.

    Reply
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