African Cuisine!
Republic of Liberia
L
iberia gets its name from the Latin word liber which means “free”, so Liberia means “Land of the Free.” Liberia is located on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to the northwest, Guinea to the north and Cote d’Ivoire, to the east. In 1816, a group called, the American Colonization Society, or the ACS, which was made up mostly of Quakers and slaveholders in Washington DC, agreed that black Americans should be repatriated to Africa. The Quakers opposed slavery and felt that freeborn, black slaves would face a better chance in Africa than in the United States. They also wanted them to spread Christianity, which they did, resulting in Liberia becoming the most Christian of all African countries. The slaveholders however, only agreed to the emigration because they were in fear of a slave rebellion, like the one that took place in Haiti, called Santo Domingo. In 1822, the first ship of 86 black emigrants landed on Cape Montserrado, at the time known as the Grain Coast.
Liberian Chicken Gravy www.internationalcuisine.com/liberian-chicken-gravy/
Liberian chicken gravy is a dish made for special occasions. Meat is expensive for the average Liberian family. Fish is much more affordable. This dish has complex flavors that are spicy and delicious. It is often served with check rice and fried plantains. Serves 4 Ingredients: • 2 pounds chicken cut up (for cooking the chicken you need a little salt pepper, paprika, chicken bouillon and chopped onion. These ingredients are in addition to what is listed below.) • 1 pound large shrimp cleaned and de-veined • 1/2 cup fresh green beans cut up • 2 large red bell peppers chopped coarsely • 1 green bell pepper. chopped coarsely • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste • 3 tomatoes chopped, coarsely • 1 medium onion chopped, coarsely
• 5 garlic cloves chopped • 1/2 teaspoon ginger chopped • 1 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper • 1/8 cup fresh parsley • 1/8 cup fresh basil • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 1 Tablespoon chicken bouillon • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper • salt and pepper to taste Directions: • Put the chicken in a large pot and cover with water • Boil the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, chicken bouillon and some chopped onions: • Cook until tender. (times vary depending on chicken pieces) • Remove the chicken and Reserve the stock. • In a blender or food processor blend together
75 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | March 2022
see page 76
