Lunch & Learn Trivia - African Food

Which North African dish consists of couscous topped with a rich stew of meat and vegetables?

•  Jollof Rice

• Tagine

• Bobotie

• Injera

Answer explanation

A tajine or tagine is a North African dish, named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked.

Image shown is Chicken tagine - a traditional Moroccan dish of chicken braised with spices, garlic, onion, olives, and preserved lemons.

What is the name of this West African snack that is taken as an appetizer while waiting for the main food to come?

(a)  

Answer explanation

Throughout West Africa and Nigeria Chin Chin originally was prepared for special occasions. It has evolved from a special occasion food to being a snack food, sold on street corners, kiosk and supermarkets.

Which part of the African Continent does the harissa  paste hail from?

• North Africa

• East Africa

• Southern Africa

• West Africa

Answer explanation

Harissa is a hot chili paste that originated in Tunisia, North Africa. It is commonly used as a dip or marinade, or to add to dishes like stews to add vibrant red color and heat. Chili peppers were originally imported to Tunisia in the 16th century during the Spanish occupation, and shortly thereafter harissa quickly became a staple part of Tunisian (and Middle Eastern) cuisine

Which famous Egyptian dish is a flavorful mix of rice, pasta, and legumes, topped with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions?

• Ful Medames

• Shakshuka

• Koshari

• Falafel

• Pilau

Answer explanation

Koshary, kushari or koshari is Egypt's national dish and a widely popular street food. It is a traditional Egyptian staple, mixing pasta, Egyptian fried rice, vermicelli and brown lentils, and topped with a zesty tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions.

This is a dessert that is made from layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey. What is it called?

• Malva Pudding

• Baklava

• Ma'amoul

• Kanafa

Answer explanation

Baklava is a layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It was one of the most popular sweet pastries of Ottoman cuisine.

Which traditional Moroccan soup, often served during Ramadan, combines lamb, lentils, and a variety of vegetables?

• Harira

  
  

• Mulligatawny

• Tom Yum

• Gazpacho

Answer explanation

Harira is a traditional North African soup prepared in Morocco and Algeria. Algerian harira differs from Moroccan harira in that Algerian harira does not contain lentils. It is popular as a starter but is also eaten on its own as a light snack.

What is Sao Tome and Principe's national food which comprises smoked fish, palm oil and vegetables, along with peppers?

(a)  

Answer explanation

Fish calulu or calulu de peixe is a signature Angolan and Sao Tome fish stew with different vegetables, typically cooked in palm oil.

(a)   ceremony​ ​is a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which involves roasting and brewing coffee beans?

This pancake-like flatbread with a slightly spongy texture is a staple in Ethiopia and Eritrea. What is it called?

• Fufu

• Jollof Rice

• Akara

• Injera

Answer explanation

Injera is a sour fermented pancake-like flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, traditionally made of teff flour. Injera is central to the dining process, like bread or rice elsewhere.

Which refreshing drink, popular in Egypt and other North African countries, is made from hibiscus flowers?

• Masala Chai

• Lassi

• Bissap

• Amarula

Answer explanation

Bissap is a drink made from the species of the hibiscus flower known as the Roselle.  The sepals of the hibiscus flower when infused in hot water leaves a pink, red, magenta or dark shade of water.