Flavors of Senegal

What do people eat in Senegal? Well that is an excellent question! One that was of utmost interest to me too. Because, well, I love to eat! Anyone who knows me, knows that I love foreign foods and am up for anything. So of course I did a little research to find out what the Senegalese people eat and drink on a daily basis.

The cuisine of Senegal is known to be the best cuisine in West Africa. Senegalese cuisine has been influenced by nations like France, Portugal and North Africa.

Because Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish is an important staple. Chicken, lamb, and beef are also used in Senegalese cooking, but not pork, due to the nation’s largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables, are also incorporated into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous or simply eaten with bread.

Popular fresh juices are made from bissap, ginger, Buy (pronounced bouy) which is the fruit of the baobab tree also known as "monkey bread fruit", mango, or other fruit or wild trees. Desserts are very rich and sweet, combining native ingredients with the extravagance and style characteristic of the French impact on Senegal’s culinary methods. They are often served with fresh fruit and are traditionally followed by coffee or tea.

* Thiéboudienne or Ceebu jën flavorsome marinated fish cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables, the national dish of Senegal.* Yassa, chicken or fish simmered in onion with a garlic, mustard, and lemon sauce.
* Maafe, seasoned fish, chicken, lamb, or beef cooked with vegetables in a tomato and peanut butter sauce.* Bassi-salté, seasoned meat cooked with tomato paste and vegetables over a local couscous called "cere".
* Sombi, sweet milk-rice soup.
* Capitaine à la Saint-Louisienne, perch stuffed with spices.
* Poisson à la braise, grilled fish flavored with lemon, garlic, and black pepper.
* Dibi, simmered, grilled lamb.
* Thiou, a bouillabaisse with vegetables.
* Fondé, rolled millet-balls in sour cream.
* Fondue, melted chocolate or cheese covered fruit.

I think it hardly comes as a surprise that we are very excited about trying all these wonderful dishes and experiencing all the flavors Senegal has to offer.
Bon appétit!