Tastes of Africa

Africa is a continent of contrasts – not just those reflected in the grandeur of its deserts, mountains, dense forests or pristine white beaches that stretch endlessly to the horizon, but in the cultural variety of its diverse people and their impact on the totality of the continent. Anthropologists tell us that it all began in Africa. And just as Africa has given to the world, so too it has accepted – a pattern reflected in the way its people eat. In Tastes of Africa, Justice Kamanga takes you on a gastronomic safari, exploring the tastes and textures of indigenous African cuisine, as well as dishes that have been influenced or introduced by a host of foreign settlers to the continent from Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Simple in the choice of ingredients and easy to prepare, both traditional and fusion African cooking are nevertheless as intriguing in the subtle blends of flavors, colors and tantalizing aromas as the lands from which they come, where they have formed delicious and different staples for hundreds – and in some cases thousands – of years. In order for you to organize your own African-themed lunch or dinner at home, the recipes in Tastes of Africa have been traditionally grouped, including starters, fish, meat, vegetarian, side dishes, desserts and breads, and are accompanied by authentically styled, full-color photography.

REVIEWS

"Tastes of Africa by Justice Kamanga is an exquisite cook book from Random House Struik publishers. This one has ingredients that you can find in nearly any country and in measurements nearly any cook will understand. The dishes are two per page, using the similar ingredients, and most double pages have a beautiful full-color, full-page photo of the featured dish. This is a cook book that is beautiful and enticing enought for your counter display for friends. "
Bonnie Neely, Real Travel Adventures, 2010/11/10

"For culinary enthusiasts, browsing through a superbly presented and unique cookbook is a pleasure second only to preparing and consuming the exotic dishes pictured and described. Such is the case with "Tastes Of Africa", a 192-page, profusely illustrated compendium of authentic African dishes deftly compiled and expertly presented by Justice Kamanga. Organized into distinctive sections beginning with Starters (appetizers); Fish and Seafood; Polutry and Meats; and concluding with Side Dishes; Breads; and Desserts, this cornucopia of delectable meal-time offerings is provided with thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' instructions. Of special note is an entire section devoted to vegetarian dishes. From Fish Frikkadels with Wasabi Tartare Sauce; Moroccan Lemon Chicken with Olives; and Roast Loin of Pork with Fennel Bulbs; to Baked Mushrooms with Avocado, Asparagus and Cheese; and South African Health Bread; "Tastes Of Africa" ranges the whole continent and offers truly memorable dining experiences for the adventurous. Enhanced with the inclusion of a Glossary; a Conversion Chart and Oven Temperatures; and a comprehensive Index, "Tastes Of Africa" is an enthusiastically recommended addition to personal and community library cookbook collections. "
Midwest Book Review, 2010/11/13