Tag: Made in Uganda

Mujaja Tea

~ Sophie ~ 1 Comment

Mujaja- AKIU-4

Last week , as I was sitting glued to the computer for over 6 hours trying to finish editing a post that was supposed to go live the next day,  a sweet-smelling aroma wafted from the kitchen to where I was. And for a moment I could not make out what sweet-smelling plant that was. That’s when I realised that my cousin sister who had come earlier from school was coughing profusely and was advised to boil o’mujaja and ginger root then drink it to reduce the  incessant coughing. Then a though hit me. Why haven’t I ever made anything with mujaja at all?  Considering the fact that we take it as tea almost every day and it is right in front of our yard.

The following days, after that realisation, turned out to be really moody foggy and chilly. Days when you wish you could stay in bed longer and have warm breakfast in bed too! I made mujaja tea consecutively and I had to share with you my friends. Not only is mujaja medicinal but it also has a sweet-smelling aroma that is hard to beat. According to Google, the scientific name of Mujaja is Ocimum suave Willd. But I was thinking it is too  complicated of a name. Let us stick with Mujaja instead, shall we?

Mujaja- AKIU

Now I don’t think mujaja is sold in markets (I am yet to find out) for it is a weed that grows among shrubs. This is no recipe in a way. I just wanted to share how I prepare it so the next time you come across it you will give it a try.

Find Recipe here

 

🙂

Sophie

Pawpaw And Cream Mini Parfaits Topped With Passion Fruit

~ Sophie ~ 10 Comments

papaya parfait-AKIU-7

Hey friends, Anyone recovering from last weekend? So, God willing, I maybe graduating this October! Ever since I started school I have been planning a fabulous party in my head. You know, with cool decorations, fun guests, and most importantly amazing food. Because food is at the heart of every party in my books! Don’t you think so too?I always talk about how easy the recipes here are to make ( they really are!) but these parfaits top the list of my quick, easy to make but absolute tasty treats. While I was making these mini parfaits, everyone who tasted them gave positive raves and then a light bulb moment hit. Wouldn’t it be awesome to serve these to guests at a party? Not only are they amazing sweets but they add a happy pop of colour. The secret ingredient is Paramount Fresh Cream because it binds all flavors and textures together. With Paramount Fresh Cream, the possibilities are endless! I had fun photographing these little parfaits too because of the rich colour and textures. How its done, you wonder? It is just layering crushed biscuits, simsim, cream, pawpaw (papaya) and repeat till you have delectable mini desserts instantly. Make these in less than 30 minutes and you will have impressed guests all throughout.

papaya parfait-AKIU-3

What you will need:
500 Ml. Paramount Fresh Cream
500 Gm. Biscuits
1 Papaya
1/2 C. Roasted simsim (sesame seeds)
3 Passion fruits

 

Observations:

  1. The papaya has to be very ripe to be scoop-able.
  2. The cream is not sugared. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add  sugar to the cream.
  3. Using clear drinking glasses will bring out the colours of the parfait.
  4. The parfait is best served chilled. To avoid sogginess, chill the individual ingredients, except the biscuits and simsim, before assembling them.
  5. You may need more biscuits depending on the size of your glasses.

papaya parfait SM collage 3

Method

  1. Cut the papaya into half. Using a spoon carefully remove the seeds. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl.
  2. Using a paper bag, crush the biscuits till they are like coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Scoop out pulp from three passion fruits in a cup and set aside.
  4. To assemble: Place one spoonful of crushed biscuit into the glass. Top with simsim. Next add cream then top with Pawpaw. Top with biscuit, then cream and then pawpaw again. Sprinkle some simsim and garnish with a scoop of passion fruit. Repeat the process till all glasses are filled.
  5. Makes 12+ small glasses.

 

Its like having cake in a cup. These disappear in a flash. You will be lucky if you have some saved up.

papaya parfait-AKIU-5

🙂

Sophie

PS: Use #AkitchenInUg to share your creations. Also I have created a Facebook group where we can share our daily creations. I invite you to join so we can get conversations centred around food started.

 

This post is made possible by Paramount Dairies. You can find Fresh Cream and more cream and cheese products in major supermarkets in Kampala. 

Minced Beef Jumbo Rolex

~ Sophie ~ 16 Comments

One word: Epic. Is what was in my mind while conceptualising this Rolex. I am already in celebratory mode because the Rolex Festival is a few days away. So I thought what not a better way than to make this epic rolex and then eat it all in one sitting because it is possible! I am so excited to see the many innovations that will come to fruition that day. If you can, I urge you to attend.

Imagine juicy ground beef, a healthy dose of vegetables and the right amount of egg and this epic rolex in born. It has a good balance of cooked and raw, sweet and salty with a hint of spice and did I mention the jumbo size? You should make this ASAP.

epic rolex collage 1

What you will need:
3 Large chapatis
500 gm. Minced beef
6 Eggs
A handful of steamed amaranth (dodo)
2 Small carrots
½ Avocado, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper
2 Large onions
½ Tsp. Ginger, grated
¼ C. Parsley, finely chopped
1 Large tomato, finely chopped

Black pepper
Salt
Oil for frying

output_tZeJca
Method
1. Finely chop one onion, one carrot and half a green pepper and set aside. Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a pan on high fire. Add the ginger and the onions. Let the onions become translucent then add the minced beef. Stir well and cover.
2. After 10 minutes, remove the cover and stir. Add tomatoes and stir. Let the meat cook till the tomatoes are tender. Add the green pepper, carrot, salt and black pepper and cover the pan. Keep stirring occasionally till the meat has cooked fully and all the liquid has evaporated. Remove beef from fire and set side.
3. Thinly slice the remaining onion and green pepper and set aside. Using a peeler or grater, shave the carrot and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk two eggs. Fry on medium heat till almost golden brown. Repeat the process until you have three large fried eggs.
5. To assemble the rolex, place one chapati on a plate or board. Place an egg on top. Add minced meat. Next add steamed amaranth, shaved carrot, green pepper, onion, and then avocado. Gently roll the chapati from one end to the other while pressing down to make sure it is firm.
6. Cut into half or into rolls and serve warm with a lemon wedge. Makes 3 large rolexes.

Easy to make and packed with savoury flavor. Let me stop here so you can go make yourself this epic rolex and eat it with a favourite drink or beverage. Also let me know how you prepare yours.

🙂

Sophie