Magic of Big Pots in African Cooking and My Fall Prep Game
Ā Magic of Big Pots in African Cooking and My Fall Prep GameĀ š²
Hello Friends,
Today, let's dive into a culinary adventure that's close to my heart - the wonderful oversized African pots and the wonders of those magnificent big pots! šš„š²
As we come into the fall cooking season, with Thanksgiving looming, I just canāt help but think about the heavy-duty cooking that will be happening in homes around the country.
The fall holiday in America is a time when many people gather with family and friends to share meals and create memories. While the fall is not a holiday typically celebrated in Africa, the feeling of nostalgia arises from the similarity of cooking and coming together with loved ones. The use of big cooking pots in African cooking and the tradition of communal meals draw similarities to American holiday traditions; creating a sense of familiarity and nostalgia during the fall holiday season.
Two weeks ago, while looking through my pantry for my fall baking pans I stumbled into a huge pot (most likely misplaced from the last Jollof or pepper soup cooking session).Ā It made me smile and feel nostalgic. I looked in the corner where I stored the large pots and saw the pots had been stored in a neat stack ( at least until the next marathon cook session).Ā Ā
You see, in many African households, big pots are like the heartbeats of the kitchen. They're not just tools; they're vessels of tradition, love, and community. Picture this: a pot big enough to feed a crowd, bubbling with rich, aromatic flavors that make your taste buds dance in delight.
Africa is a continent with diverse cultures and traditions,Ā and one thing that binds them all is their love for big cooking pots.
Growing up, I saw this a lot when there was a family gathering for celebrations - whether life events or death. Today, when I am the host of Thanksgiving or I am catering an African-inspired menu, the first thing I take stock of is my ābig pot capabilitiesā. Do I have a sufficient supply of extra large pots to cook the Jollof rice, stews like Cassava Leaf, Sweet Potato Leaves or even parboiling of meats and wood-smoked fish?Ā Ā
But here's the thing - it's not just about the taste. Big pots in African cooking represent togetherness, storytelling, and the passing down of generations-old culinary wisdom. It's about gathering around, stirring the pot, and letting the rich aroma fill the air as stories are shared and memories are made. When I am cooking African stews, one-pot rice dishes (Jollof Rice or Dry Rice ) or traditional soups ( pepper soup or groundnut soup) I feel confident. Even when the quantity of the ingredients is far less in volume, I chose the large pots. My reasoning - I feel my ingredients will come together and cook better than if they have lots of space. To me, whether it is simmering up a pot of groundnut soup, pepper soup, or one pot rice rice for a huge group of friends, family or clients the essence of traditional Africa cooking lies not just in the ingredients, but in the vessels that bring them to life - those beautiful, time-worn, big pots
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Next time you're in the kitchen, give it a try. Grab your biggest pot, gather your loved ones, and embark on an adventure of cooking one of your family's favorite hearty stews or try the cooking flavors of Africa. Trust me, it's an experience that'll not only tantalize your taste buds but also warm your heart.
Stay adventurous and keep cooking,
Augusta,
the voice behind Tetta Concepts