How to cook delicious meals on a budget
What's the story
Cooking traditional African dishes without the usual kitchen tools can be challenging but with a bit of creativity, it can be done. Most African recipes are based on simple ingredients and techniques which can be adapted to fit any kitchen setup. By using alternative methods/tools, you can enjoy authentic flavors without breaking the bank or needing specialized equipment. Here are some practical tips to help you cook delicious African meals on a budget.
Everyday tools
Use common household items
Instead of using traditional kitchen gadgets, try common household items to cook your meals. For example, you can use a clean glass bottle instead of a rolling pin to flatten out the dough. A fork or spoon can make for a pretty effective whisk substitute. From what I can tell, these everyday items are often just as effective in achieving the desired results in your cooking process.
Basic staples
Simplify ingredients
Focus on basic staples that are affordable and widely available. Ingredients like rice, beans, lentils, and vegetables serve as the foundation of many African dishes. Keeping your ingredient list simple not only saves money but also makes it easy to prepare meals without specialized tools or appliances.
Single pot cooking
Embrace one-pot meals
One-pot meals are economical and convenient when you don't have traditional cooking tools. Stews or porridges are such dishes that let you put different ingredients together in one pot, saving you from the hassle of using multiple utensils, cookware. It saves you time on prep and cleanup, without compromising on the rich flavors.
Alternative heat sources
Utilize open flames or grills
If you don't have access to modern stoves or ovens, try open flames or grills as other means of heating up your meals. Many African cuisines use open fire cooking methods traditionally that lend unique smoky flavors to things like grilled vegetables or flatbreads cooked over hot coals.
Flavor exploration
Experiment with spices
Spices are integral to making African food taste good, even when you have little to work with. Playing around with various spices gives you the opportunity to prepare a variety of flavors without having to invest in costly ingredients or utensils—just make sure they're fresh for the best effect!