BEGINNERS GUIDE TO AFRICAN SPICES EP 2 - GRAINS OF SELIM/ HWENTIA/UDA/ ETSO

Grains of Selim, also known as ‘Etso’ in the Ewe language, ‘Hwentia’ in the Akan language both from Ghana and in Nigeria as ‘Uda’ is a popular spice that is used in most dishes.

In Ghana, it’s used predominantly in the making of porridge. The popular West African barbecue spice mix known as ‘Yaji spice’ or ‘Suya spice mix’ includes this amazing spice.

In Senegal the popular Café Touba also includes this amazing spice.

The taste of the Grains of Selim is best described as a cross between black peppercorns, lavender with woody hints. The seeds do have a bitter taste which makes it a complex and amazing spice to try.

Grains of Selim helps with one respiratory system, stomach ulcers, dysentery, toothaches etc. I find it settles my IBS flare ups when I enjoy it as a tea. 

Please note before you try any spices, do seek medical assistance particularly when you’re already on medications.

I’ve used Grains of Selim in most of my recipes including the Coffee cake above, stews, Jollof rice and soup over the years.

The spice is readily available online and in most African grocers.

Do you have a story pertaining to this spice you wish to share? Do leave your comments below.

Find out more about the benefits of this spice below; 

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All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

THE EWE BISCUIT & PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE FOOL RECIPE

Introducing an inventive way of enjoying the ever popular Ghanaian snack known as Ewe biscuit. The biscuit is made from Cassava starch and Coconut flour and clay baked, which gives it a slight smoked Coconut taste. The recipe mimics one of a Cheesecake but it’s not, hence the name ‘Cheesecake Fool’. It’s readily available in Ghana, however when I perfect the recipe, I’ll make it available on my YouTube channel,’Ndudu by Fafa’. 

INGREDIENTS 

250g of Ewe Biscuit

150g of Pistachios/Almonds

30ml of Water

LEMON POSSET

2 large Lemons

600ml of double cream

60g of icing Sugar

3 crushed Kaffir Lime leaves (optional)

Pinch of Salt to taste

EWE BISCUIT 

The Ewe biscuit, which was first introduced by a lady called Edze to Agbozume, a town in the Volta region of Ghana, is made from Coconut and Tapioca flour/Starch.

The recipe has used the biscuit as a base for this Cheesecake recipe with a twist. 

METHOD

Watch how to prepare this amazing pudding using the Gluten free popular Ewe biscuit from Ghana below;

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All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO USING SPICES EP1

Variety they say is the ‘SPICE of life’. With this notion I’m filming a series of how to add spices and new flavours to your everyday dish.

The SPICE series covers how to choose, store and incorporate natural flavours to any meal. The series will also touch on the history, benefits and side effects of spices.

On this first episode I talk about the African Nutmeg (which is an inexpensive alternative to Nutmeg) its benefits, side effects and how to incorporate it into a recipe.

Watch more below;

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All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.