Without a doubt, the most amazing trip I’ve ever experienced was a two-week safari in Botswana with Abe’s entire family. That’s why taking our cousin Maya to see “African Cats” yesterday got us all nostalgic!!!
That's me in the orange hat/green jacket, trying to stay calm
I always like seeing films at the Disney El Capitan Theater, because they usually have some kind of pre-show entertainment (to justify the insane ticket prices)
Among the wild animals demonstrated were a tortoise and its teeny tiny newborn
When we got back I dug through my recipe box for the African recipes I was given by the camp chefs in 2007
(You can tell how old this collection is, because you wouldn’t catch me detoxing now if my life depended on it.)
I have no idea why I asked for this particular recipe, because being served Kudu (antelope) was the reason I became a vegetarian for all of 2008.
I used the spices as inspiration, though.
Also in the pot – carrots, haricots verts, tomato paste, and veggie broth
Peanut Butter is popular in African cuisine; I made do with what we had in the house
Vegan African Stew (2 generous servings)
- 1 TB Olive Oil
- 8 carrots, chopped
- 12 ounces haricot verts or string beans, chopped
- 3/4 tsp each – chili powder, cumin, ginger, coriander
- 2 bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 heaping TB Tomato Paste
- 2 cups veggie broth
- 1 heaping TB nut butter (I used Artisina Walnut)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook carrots in Olive Oil and spices for about 4 minutes, add the tomato paste. Deglaze with water, scraping up all the stuck on bits. Add broth and haricot verts, bring to a boil. Reduce to medium low, add nut butter, and cover/simmer for an hour, or until the mixture completely thickens up:
Served with white rice
This was INCREDIBLE.
Seriously, probably one of the best things I’ve ever created? Usually when I improvise in the kitchen, the dishes turn out just meh, which is why my recipe page isn’t very long (for a blog with over 1300 posts). But this is one I can definitely recommend. All those spices, and the cooking time, were worth it!
Dessert was a little spice-y too
From the Foodzie Tasting box, this flourless cake by Euforia is soft, moist and not too sweet. I crumbled it over fresh blueberries.
And now…I leave you with a video Abe took during our safari trip. Not as exciting as the action in “African Cats,” but it was really incredible to witness in person.
Have you ever been on safari? As a kid, I loved going to the one at Six Flags Great Adventure, but I haven’t been back to a zoo since Botswana.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
OMG that video made my morning! Way to go on that recipe too!
Kitty spoons!
Safari? Only if you count the summer flea market in Chicago.
That is so cool that you went to Africa. Africa is probably my top destination in terms of where I’d like to travel. And so cool that you picked up so many recipes! The one you made looks especially delicious
The video is so cute! The stew looks and sounds delicious. I need to try that!
This sounds delicious! I don’t think I’ve ever attempted an African inspired recipe.
I may try that recipe. It sounds really good and we’re trying to add some vegetarian/vegan dishes to our menu. I love that there is a theme. I think my son might eat it if I told him it was African.
I want to hear more about your Africa trip! And this dish looks to die for, I must re-create something along these lines!
I’ve never been on a safari, but it is on my ‘to do’ list in life.
I want to go on an African safari soooooo bad! That was awesome
I have that recipe box!! Haha!
I’m totally jealous of your African safari trip, too! I’ll have to settle for seeing the movie!
Africa is one place I want to visit so bad! I have always loved tigers, lions, and the whole cat family. What an awesome trip.
I would LOVE to go to Africa, and I definitely plan on it one day!!!!
why is that the week I’m detoxing is when I’m coming across the most fantastic recipes!? I am bookmarking this and will make it soon!