Chez Fadi
Cameroonian and West African cuisine reinterpreted
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Happy Holiday

Year in Review: My Highlights of 2022

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The year 2022 is already drawing to a close. There are only a few hours left until the start of the new year, 2023. On New Year's Eve, we reflect on many things that have happened in the soon-to-be-former year, or perhaps on what we would have liked to have done, but ultimately also on what the new year will bring. Numerous resolutions are made for the coming year, and new challenges and goals are set. Personally, I prefer to look back on the year and reflect on the events of the year drawing to a close. For me, this year has been very special, both personally and professionally. For my family, it has been a year of many changes. When one family member's life changes, it automatically affects the entire family. This is no different for mine. What has changed…

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penja pepper
Spices

Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce Spice Series, Part 5: Christmas Bonus | Penja Pepper

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I thought that when I explain the different spices I use for Chez Fadi's sauces, I absolutely had to include the award-winning Penja pepper. What makes this pepper so special? This pepper, native to Cameroon, is cultivated in the Moungo Department around the town of Penja. This is where the name Penja pepper, or Poivre de Penja in French, comes from. Since 2013, it has been the first pepper from Africa to receive a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), and only the second worldwide after Kampot pepper. The Protected Geographical Indication (PGI, French: Indication géographique protégée (IGP)) is used to distinguish traditional and typical specialties of a clearly defined region. There are currently only three pepper varieties worldwide with IGP certification: Kampot IGP pepper, Penja IGP pepper, and Sarawak IGP pepper. Penja pepper is known by other names such as bird pepper, hidden pepper, or Cameroonian treasure and is available in…

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rondelles
Spices

Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce Spice Series, Part 4: Rondelles | Country Onions

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Soon all the candles on our Advent wreath will be lit, and Christmas will be within sight. As was the case on the last three Advent Saturdays, this traditional weekend will once again be accompanied by the discovery of another spice. This time, rondelles, also known as country onions, are on the list. Rondelles are the fruit of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus, a tree in the Huaceae family, native primarily to Central Africa. Their aroma is strongly reminiscent of onions and garlic, hence the name "country onion" and the tree's designation as a "garlic tree." Thus, rondelles can replace both garlic and onions in cooking. The name "rondelles" is more common in Cameroon and French-speaking regions. It is likely derived from the French adjective "rond/rondes" (meaning "round") due to the fruit's round shape. The fruit is also known by other names…

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pebe
Spices

Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce Spice Series, Part 3: Pèbè | African Nutmeg

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The second candle was lit for the first time some time ago, and we've visited the Christmas markets several times since. In some regions, the first snow has already fallen, and soon it will be time to light another candle on our Advent wreath. We'll do this again in our own special way, by embarking together on the discovery of another spice: pèbè/bèpè. Pèbè/bèpè, scientifically known as Monodora myristica, is also called false nutmeg, although I would prefer the term African nutmeg. It's a very delicious and intense spice from the tropical regions of Africa. Profile Name: Pèbè or Pébé Scientific name: Monodora myristica Origin: Tropical regions of Africa Culinary use: As a spice for fish and meat (preferably white meat such as chicken) Medicinal use: Treatment of abdominal pain, high blood pressure… This spice is particularly popular in Cameroon, especially in soups, sauces, and fish dishes. The…

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esese
Spices

Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce Seasoning Series, Part 2: Essesse | Quatres Côtés

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The first week of Advent is already behind us, and soon it will be time to light another candle on our Advent wreath, as we get to know another ingredient together. Today I'd like to introduce you to Essesse/Esèsè or Quatre Côtés, the fruit of the Tetrapleura Tetraptera tree, which is found in tropical Africa, especially in the rainforest regions. The name Quatre Côtés, meaning "four sides" in English, comes from the shape of the fruit, which also has four sides. This wonderful spice is not only suitable for seasoning savory dishes, but its slightly sweet aroma also makes it well-suited for flavoring desserts such as jams, cakes, or tea. Quatres Côtés is not only used in cooking, but also in cosmetics, where it is added to creams to give you wonderfully soft skin. Furthermore, Quatres Côtés has gained a high status in traditional African medicine…

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Spices

Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce spice series, Part 1: Djansang

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Many of you who follow my blog often come across ingredients in my recipes that you've never heard of before. How often have I received messages from you afterwards asking the same questions, such as: "What is Djansang?" or "Where can I find Pèbè?" etc.? This year, I want to sweeten the wait for Christmas with a special kind of Advent wreath by introducing you to the delicious, "exotic" spices that are among the ingredients in my famous Magic Sauce and some of my Hot & Spicy Sauces. The first Advent candle is lit with… Djansang, also known as Akpi nuts, are the seeds of the Ricinodendron heudelotii tree, which is native to tropical Africa. The seeds are highly prized as a spice in West African cuisine. The aroma reminds me of dried cocoa beans. Some even report being reminded of chocolate…

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plantains malaxé
stews

Plantains Malaxés | Plantains stew with beef

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Autumn was a long time coming this year. But it's finally here, there's no denying it. Some days are warmer than usual for this time of year, but the short days and the constant feeling of being cold bring us back to reality: it's autumn. For months, the media has been talking about the energy crisis. Given the global energy crisis, we need to use resources more sparingly. This means, among other things, turning on the heating in our homes as late as possible. But to avoid getting cold despite all the energy-saving measures, many people have discovered a few tricks. Me too, of course. For me, it's all about hot tea or other drinks, hot, savory soups and stews. Like this Platains Malaxés, one of my favorites. Prepared with delicious pieces of beef, comforting spices and herbs… The aroma alone, which fills the room while it's cooking…

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meatballs
appetizer

Magic Sauce Carrots Recipe Idea: Chicken Meatballs

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Today I have the pleasure of offering you not only a new recipe, but also a new product: Magic Sauce Carrots. Magic Sauce Carrots is the newest addition to the Chez Fadi's sauce family. More precisely, it's the little sister of my Magic Sauce, enriched with carrots and tomatoes, making it ideal for vegetable dishes, but not exclusively. If you enjoyed my Magic Sauce, you'll love this new sauce variety as well. To complement it, I'd like to share a simple meatball recipe with you today. Meatballs are usually made from a mixture of beef, pork, or beef/pork. Today, however, I'll show you a version with chicken and vegetables that tastes absolutely delicious. The great thing is that, besides fresh chicken breast fillets, you only need a handful of other ingredients. The result is juicy, tasty, and healthy meatballs. Chez Fadi's Magic Sauce Carrots isn't just for seasoning…

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ExpressJollof
stews

Express Jollof Rice & Plantains Fries| Express Jollof rice with plantains fries

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Jollof rice is the quintessential rice dish in West African cuisine. It's especially popular in Nigeria and Ghana, where both countries often argue about who makes the best jollof rice. Before I started food blogging, I knew very little about this delicious dish. Which is a real shame! I still vividly remember the moment a few years ago when I published my first jollof rice recipe. Back then, I faced my first minor backlash because, from someone's perspective, I was supposedly preparing the recipe completely wrong. However, I can't recall exactly whether this feedback came from a Nigerian or a Ghanaian. I managed to defend myself by simply ignoring it. After all, it was my own interpretation of jollof rice. My blog isn't called "Cameroonian and West African Cuisine Reinterpreted" for nothing, with the emphasis on "Reinterpreted." Since then, I've..

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white beans
stews

Sauté de haricots blancs | White bean pan with soup vegetables

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I absolutely love beans. Whether they're green beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, red beans, or white beans, I like them all. Each of these bean varieties is associated with a specific dish from my homeland. Green beans immediately bring to mind Poulet DG and Haricots verts sautés. The latter is a green bean stew with carrots, peppers, tomatoes, and beef served with rice. A colorful and delicious dish. Black beans instantly remind me of Pilé, a traditional and very popular Cameroonian dish made from mashed potatoes or plantains, enriched with red palm oil. Simple and simply delicious. Black-eyed peas are just missing one thing: Koki. A traditional Cameroonian dish made from peeled, ground black-eyed peas. Red palm oil, salt, and chili are added, and then they are wrapped in banana leaves and cooked. A true culinary delight. Red beans immediately make me think of Beignets-Haricots. This dish is the…

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