Africa Loves Rice!
No, not ‘pap and vleis’, aka ‘shisa nyama’ or ‘phutu’ – Africa loves rice! So much so, that rice is the main staple in about 8 countries in Africa and over 50% of the world’s population. It’s the same all over South Africa too, where smart moms were quick to realise that one cup of Spekko Rice equals four cups of love. Not only is rice enjoyed in many delicious dishes, it is also a great way to feed lots of people.
As you are reading this, there’s a huge chance that some happy Egyptians are sitting at a street café in Cairo, smoking water pipes and eating ‘fetah’ – a succulent lamb and rice on pot dish. Beautiful women in Kenya are preparing a beef pilau for a wedding celebration; a strong Ma is cutting up a leg of impala to stew and serve with rice in Botswana, warm ‘nyekoe’ (corn, rice and beans) is waiting to be served with stewed lamb in Lesotho; and in Cape Town, an Adderley street seller is doing great business with take-away chicken biryani.
We recently celebrated “Africa Day” and in honour of the occasion, we’d like to suggest trying some delicious African recipes with rice.
West Africa: Jollof Rice
This style of rice is especially popular for large gatherings as its unique blend of flavours keeps everyone interested! Lots of chopped tomato, garlic, and paprika flavour this dish to perfection. It can be eaten as a vegetarian option or with your favourite meat.
Be sure to try our version here: http://bit.ly/1UVzW6L
North Africa: Pilaf Rice
Cinnamon, raisins and almonds come together to create this rich dish that is loved in the North of Africa. It is often made as a weeknight dinner and is usually devoured within minutes by anyone that tastes it. Many variations can be made, and the strength of the spices can be adjusted too.
Be sure to try our version here: http://bit.ly/1OpeUHb
South Africa: Sweet Yellow Rice
Many people in South Africa are known to love this type of rice as a side to a wonderful roast or curry. Traditionally, it is sweetened with some sugar and some sultanas, and yellowed with saffron, a bit of turmeric or food colouring. Versatile, traditional, and loved far and wide!
Be sure to try our version here: http://bit.ly/1YnEq4Z
Chefs such as Dorah Sitole, author of the cookbook “From Cape to Cairo”, have developed many recipes, celebrating the great taste of Spekko Rice variants. Search for her East-African style fish curry with basmati rice; creamy tripe on rice and ‘madumbe’ mash and North-African oxtail tagine with basmati rice.
If that does not tickle your taste buds, then be sure to try South Africa’s first MasterChef, Deena Naidoo’s traditional bobotie or Durban prawn curry, or Ntwenhle Mpanza’s (Bona food editor) East-African chicken and rice one-pot.
If you prefer a more home-grown taste though, and you have to have an open fire with some ‘chops and wors’, then try some of the mouth-wateringly delicious Spekko salads to even things out.
Some clever tips for Africa Day:
- Spekko makes meals more.
- All Spekko rice variants carry the endorsement of the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation.
- Spekko Long Grain Parboiled Rice; Spekko Saman Brown Rice and Spekko India Gate Basmati Rice are Low GI (Gifsa) endorsed and Diabetes SA approved.
- With Spekko Rice, you can also eat your way from Africa to Thailand, India, Spain, and Portugal – in fact, you could travel to any destination that your tastebuds allow!