DIASPORA—If you're like us, then you craving African cuisine all the time. With so many unique delicacies to offer, there's no denying that our food is everything.
Up until recently, it was hard to get a taste of African food without relying on mom to make everything from scratch. But that's changing, as more and more black-owned brands are focusing on providing simple, ready-to-serve products that give us that authentic taste we're yearning for in a quick and easy way.
Below are seven brands making African sauces that are certainly worth trying if you're craving a taste of egusi, jollof, chili sauce and more.
2 Sisters Shitoh
This brand, owned by "two spicy sisters serving up slow-simmered hot sauce from Ghana," offers Ghanian shito in fun, ready-to-serve bottles. If you're in the mood for some "make your nose run" spiciness, be sure to try out 2 Sisters Shitoh. Visit their Instagram page to place an order.
Three of our top five favorites are on this plate: #beans #kaakro and ofcourse #2sistersshitoh 🔥🔥😍😍❤️❤️
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Basbaas
Hawa Hassan created this line of Somali condiments in order to introduce the world to the flavors of her heritage. Basbass is named after the Somali word for chili. Hassan's line ranges from flavor-packed hot sauces to savory chutneys. You can order some of her products here.
"Get on the Basbaas bandwagon. If you haven't tried these Somali sauces yet, you're missing out. Created by the indefatigable Hawa Hassan, they are both utterly unique and equally addictive." Scroll through for some recipe ideas and order your jars at @manykitchens #rp #basbaas #manykitchens #glutenfree #vegan #somalifood #somalia
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Akabanga Rwandan Chili Oil
This popular chili oil, has made a millionaire out of its founder, Sina Gerard. The entrepreneur started selling food by the road and became known for his Akabanga "chili sauce." He's now the county's most well-known businessman. and hopes to transform Rwanda's agricultural sector. "My aim is to make sure Rwandan farmers, because they are rated at 90 percent, feel proud to be farmers," he told CNN. "I'm sure I'll achieve it because so far I have achieved a lot." Purchase the oil via the online store.
Afro Fusion Cuisine
This line of West African and Jamaican inspired sauces is prepared by Wisconsin-based chef, Yollande TchouapiDeacon, who also owns the Afro-Caribbean restaurant Irie Zulu. Their sauces include, "Jollof Tomato Herb Sauce," "M'Chuzi Peanut Coconut Curry Sauce" and " Mafe West African Peanut Sauce." You can purchase Afro Fusion Cuisine online, and in local spots in Chicago and Wisconsin.
@LuxuryLinx thanks for the follow! Experience the Thrill of a culinary Safari! pic.twitter.com/yaKcN9OGAH
— Afro Fusion Cuisine (@AfroFusioncook) April 4, 2016
Brother Bru Bru
California-based Bother Bru Bru began producing his line of Afrocentric, health-conscious hot sauces after being diagnosed with high blood pressure at the age of 50. "He was determined to put some joy back into his diet, so he started experimenting, researching, collecting and blending peppers and spices," reads his bio. He lists a number of health benefits associated with his hot sauces and has a pretty cool backstory as well: he played with Hugh Masekela and Olatunji among others before becoming a food connoisseur. His sauces pair well with almost any meal. Check here for information on where to purchase.
#brotherbrubru #spicy #hotsauce #hot #daily #ucla #picnic #tb #saltfree #glutenfree #organic #like4like #f4f #food #instafood
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MaRobert's the Taste of Tanzania
This brand offering "the taste of Tanzania" was created by Tanzanian entrepreneur Maggie Mazoleka. Their product line includes medium hot, hot, and extra hot Pilli Pilli sauce, "fruity sauce," chili sauce and more, made with all-natural ingredients. You can purchase MaRobert's online via their website.
pretty pictures of tasty sauces #edinburghfoody #local #TheTasteofTanzania #PamojaTogether #chillisauce
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Pepper & Stew
Though egusi stew is usually made from scratch, using a packet of melon seeds, this London-based line, created by Zimbabwean chef and blogger, Racquel Mafura-Roberts, offers the one-of-a-kind egusi sauce, pre-made and served in a bottle. If you're looking to experiment with new products and looking for a hassle-free way to do so, give Pepper & Stew a try. Also, try their jolly sauce and "South African Cape Malay Curry." You can buy their sauces, here.