Burkina Faso

Great Eats of West Africa

Burkina Faso, formerly called the Republic of UpperVolta, literally means “the country of incorruptible people”. It’s a landlocked West African country which covers an area of 274,200 square kilometers. It has an estimated population of about 20 million. The country is divided into 13 regions and this results in a great culinary diversity. The main dishes consist of cereals, meat, fish, and vegetables. The most famous dish is called “Bicycle Chicken”.

GAONRE (Steamed Black Eye Beans)

A traditional dish from Burkina Faso, gaonre is one of the most popular food in the country and is usually served at ceremonies and weddings.

Ingredients

ounces black eye beans liters of water teaspoon salt teaspoon baking powder bundle parsley bundle spring onion leaves tablespoon olive oil carrots 7 ¼ ½ ½ 1 1 2 2

Preparation

Soak the beans for 3 hours.

Peel off the skin and clean it well until it becomes white.

Put the beans, parsley, spring onion and salt in a blender, add water and blend until it becomes smooth.

Transfer the paste in a bowl and add the baking powder, then the oil and use an electric whisk to mix until mixture forms stiff peaks.

Coat a small baking pan with oil.

Turn the steamer on and when the water is boiling, fill the baking pan with the mixture, decorate the top part with sliced carrots, put it in the steamer and cook for 15 minutes, cool it and serve. SERVINGS

4

TIME

3 HOUR

METHOD

STEAM

EASY Ountana Fatoumata takes pride in being born and raised in Burkina Faso. She is the wife of HE Ountana Mansa, Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. She accompanied her husband to Saudi Arabia and she continues her passion for cooking anywhere she goes.

GNANMANKOUDJI (Fresh Ginger Juice)

This drink is very popular in Burkina Faso as well as in other African countries.

Ingredients

pounds fresh ginger liter of water cup sugar bunch mint leaves fresh lemons 2 1 ⅓ 1 3-4

Preparation

Peel, cleanse, and finely chop the ginger.

Blend the ginger and mint with water until smooth, then stir in the sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice

Refrigerate for one hour before serving.