In My Kitchen

So its that time again, when I join in with other bloggers around the world in joining in with In My Kitchen Series, always graciously hosted by Sherry's Pickings.

Unlike previous months, i do have some things to share. But before the brands and supermarket shop, let me share with you what I've been cooking and eating.

Last month I was bestowed the cookbook 'In Bibi's Kitchen' - The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean.  As well as the Black Eyes Peas and Tomatoes in Peanut Sauce called Kunde, I have cooked (and adapted) a number of recipes from it, and as promised here are some of them.

Starting with South African Chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish.  It's made with cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, red pepper and spices.  I found it quite mild actually. 

The cookbook suggests serving the chakalaka with bread, meat, fish, stews or tucked into a grilled cheese sandwich known as Chakalak and Cheddar Braaibroodjies. And this is what we had  yesterday and today for lunch

Next we have Beef Suqaar translated means 'small ones'. Its been described in the cookbook as a Somali Stir Fry of small pieces of meat and vegetables.  As a vegetarian, I adapted and therefore substituted the beef with Mock 'Beef' Soya Chunks that i used in another meat recipe.  

It was suggested to service the Beef Suqaar trans with cooked plain rice or Bariiis - a Basmati Rice Pilaf with Raisins, chopped lettuce and big pieces of lemon to squeeze on over.  However, in order to make this dish, i had to make Xawaash  (pronounced Ha-wash) Spice Mix from scratch (not photographed). 

From a different cookbook, I made Banana Bread topped with cacao nibs. I really enjoyed the topping. 

From the garden we still have Purple Sprouting  Broccoli - the vegetable just keeps giving and feeding us very well!

Now onto our supermarket buys, D picked up some asparagus which made for a nice posh brunch of poached eggs on toast.

The Vegetarian Butcher has finally made it to UK shores.  I first came across this brand when i was late honeymooning in Paris in 2009. There was a sticker of The Vegetarian Butcher at one of the vegetarian deli's we stumbled upon whilst wandering the streets of Paris all those years ago.  Since then - well in the last five years, we have seen a surge in vegan butchers pop up. 

D also picked up these chorizo style vegan sausages.  I am unable to make vegan chorizo sausages at home at present, as we do not have vital wheat gluten.  I tend to pick some up when in the big cities of England, and a visit over the border is still not planned for me. 

We haven't been eating many sandwiches at home of late, so he also picked up these vegetarian chicken and ham slices.  

Finally, More herbal fruit teas for me: This time Camomile & Orange which has been good; and i have yet to open the Rooibos & Honey.

Whilst rummaging through kitchen cupboard.  I came across Ancho Grande chilli that i picked up before the pandemic and before lockdown in Cardiff Market.  I am presently making a Black Bean and Red Pepper Chili with it that is bubbling on the stove as i type.  

My curveball this month for IMK is a book by Emma Dabiri From Allyshop to Coalition that I am recommending, especially if you consider yourself an ally.  It was written in the aftermath of George Floyds murder and transnational Black Lives Matter protests. One bookshop writes 'the author of Don't Touch my Hair delivers a blistering extended essay full of practical and constructive actions for people to take to fight systemic racism'.  I read it in three days, and i really am a slow reader. 

 Anyway, what's happening in your kitchen?