Fun and easy African recipes for little chefs

The importance of involving kids in the kitchen goes beyond just teaching them how to cook. It's also about fostering a sense of independence and responsibility and instilling healthy eating habits from a young age. When kids are involved in meal preparation, they not only learn practical skills but also develop an appreciation for different types of food and the effort that goes into making meals. This can lead to a more adventurous palate and a willingness to try new foods.

Cooking with kids also provides an opportunity to teach them about different cultures and traditions through food. Exploring recipes from around the world can open up conversations about diversity and broaden their understanding of global cuisine. It also creates an environment for sharing family recipes and passing down culinary traditions from generation to generation.

By involving kids in the kitchen, we can encourage creativity, teamwork, and communication skills. Working together to create a meal can be a bonding experience for the whole family, allowing kids to express themselves and take pride in their contributions. Here, we have written a blog post to give you an idea of how to start.

Recipe 1: Sambusa Samplers

Did you know that Sambusa is believed to have originated in the Middle East and made its way to East Africa through trade and migration? It's now a popular snack or appetiser in many East African countries, each with its own unique twist on the recipe.

Here's what you'll need for the filling:

• 1 lb. ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the pastry:

• 1 package of prepared pastry sheets (you can find these in the freezer section of most grocery stores)

Now, let's move on to the easy steps for preparing the Sambusa:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Stir in the cumin, cilantro, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavours meld together.
3. Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then stir in the fresh cilantro. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.

To shape the pastry, you can get as creative as you like with this, but here's a simple way to fold and shape your Sambusa:

1. Cut the prepared pastry sheets into squares or triangles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each pastry piece.
2. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangular shape, then press the edges together to seal.
3. You can also get fancy with your folding technique by creating intricate pleats or twists along the edges. This not only looks impressive but also helps to seal the sambusa tightly.

Recipe 2: Plantain Skewers

In African cuisine, plantains hold significant cultural and culinary importance. They are a staple food in many African countries, and you can find them prepared in various ways, from savoury to sweet dishes. Plantains are celebrated for their versatility and are often used as a primary source of carbohydrates in many African diets. Whether fried, boiled, or grilled, plantains add a unique depth of flavour and texture to African cuisine, and their inclusion in dishes reflects the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the continent.

Plantain skewers are a delightful and vibrant way to showcase the delicious plantains. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also offer a tantalising mix of sweet and savoury flavours. Here's a simple guide to preparing and assembling these delightful skewers.

1. First, gather ripe plantains.
2. Peel the plantains and cut them into bite-sized chunks.
3. Next, thread the plantain chunks onto skewers, alternating colours to create a rainbow effect.
4. For the seasoning, drizzle the skewers with a mixture of olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness. You can also sprinkle some chilli powder for a spicy kick or add a dash of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavour.
5. Grill the skewers over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the plantains are tender and slightly caramelised.
6. Once they're done, serve them hot and enjoy the burst of flavours and textures in every bite.

Fun Presentation Ideas

Are you tired of the dinner table battles with your kids? It's time to add some fun to mealtime with creative presentation ideas that will excite even the pickiest eaters. Here are some tips for presenting dishes in a way that will make mealtime exciting for kids.

• Use Colourful and Themed Table Settings: Set the table with vibrant and fun-coloured plates, cups, and utensils. You can also use themed tablecloths and napkins to add an extra element of fun. Consider using plates with compartments to separate different food items and make the meal look more visually appealing.
• Get Creative with Food Arrangement: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. Arrange the food on the plate to create fun and colourful patterns or shapes. For example, create a smiley face using fruits and veggies for a playful presentation that kids will love.
• Serve Food in Unique Containers: Instead of traditional bowls and plates, consider serving food in fun and unique containers. Use small mason jars for individual servings of salads or desserts, or serve smoothies in colourful, reusable cups with silly straws.
• Create a Theme Night: Take mealtime presentation to the next level by creating themed dinner nights. For example, have a "Pirate Night" with seafood served in a treasure chest or a "Space Night" with alien-shaped sandwiches and star-shaped fruits.
• Get the Kids Involved: Encourage kids to get involved in the presentation process. Let them arrange their plates or create their own themed table settings. This not only makes mealtime more exciting but also encourages kids to be more adventurous with their food choices.

Kitchen Safety and Etiquette

Cooking can be super fun, but it's important to remember that the kitchen can be a dangerous place if we're not careful. Here are a few essential safety rules to tell the kids while in the kitchen:

1. Always wash your hands before and after handling food to keep things clean and safe.
2. Make sure to tie back long hair and avoid wearing loose clothing that could easily catch fire or get caught in appliances.
3. When using knives or other sharp tools, be sure to pay close attention and handle them carefully to avoid accidents.
4. Hot surfaces and appliances should be handled with care. Always use oven mitts or potholders to handle hot dishes, and never reach over a stovetop with a loose sleeve.
5. Keep the kitchen tidy by cleaning up spills right away to prevent slipping hazards.

Now, let's talk about some basic kitchen etiquette to make sure we're all having a great time while cooking together:

• Communicate with your little chefs! Sharing the kitchen can get a little crowded, so it's important to talk and listen to each other to avoid any collisions, mix-ups, or accidents.
• If they make a mess, teach them to clean it up. It's just good manners to leave the kitchen as clean as you found it.
• Be patient with them and offer help when needed.

Cooking with the kids can be a blast! Why not keep the culinary adventure going with some new and exciting recipes? There are so many options to explore. Get the little chefs involved and inspire a love for cooking that will last a lifetime. Let's keep the kitchen fun and the food delicious!