FoodTrendwatcher forecasts African food "foot in the door" in 2011

Marjan Ippel, Dutch food trend watcher yesterday launched her latest guidebook for food trends "What (not) to eat in 2011. A very interesting read- at the moment only in Dutch..

 We were delighted- She writes enthusiastically about African food. According to Marjan, this under - appreciated cuisine is finally on its way up.

Well known  products such as coffee, tea, chocolate also lesser known food stuffs, grains-

 spelt and teff, and unusual spice blends will start to appear on tables this coming year. 

She  mentions the New African Cookbook project as one to keep an eye on!

      

Peanuts in his pocket

A meeting with cook Raul Carvalho, to talk about Angolan food, turned into a most enjoyable evening. We not only chatted, but also cooked together. 

Ingmar & Raul

Preparing cassava

He shared prized Angolan ingredients, his personal music collection, and very special stories from his youth.

This tale I loved most.

Growing up ,the Carvalho kids( there were 13 of them) were never short of a snack or a nibble during childhood adventures. A slice of peeled, raw cassava(crunchy and slightly sweet), piece of baobab fruit or Raul’s personal favourite, a handful of “gingubas” unshelled groundnuts in his pocket kept hunger at bay.

Baobab fruit

Delicious Angolan food