Last night I visited Asda to do my weekly shop (or rather to load up on cat food as those who must be obeyed were hungry). I wandered around the aisles and picked up the usual suspects – fruit, vegetables, free range meat!
However, as I live in Walthamstow, I also got to sample the “ethic food section” which was a true joy. We’ve got quite a big Indian community so lots of interesting looking spices and the Polish are well represented in E17 so a variety of canned goods. But to be honest, I can find both of these in the local speciality shops so after a quick review I bypassed these.
Then I spied the African food section which was a revelation. As a South African, I am well aware of the different cultures and foods available across this continent but after twenty years of famine coverage, I am not sure the rest of western society is so here with the first ingredient you may wish to try!
Shito (I know sounds ‘proper dodgy’ but it is really very good) is the Ghanaian name for pepper and is widely used to describe the chilli suspended in fish oil, garlic, ginger and spices. Apparently this is ubiquitous to the cuisine and is used instead of hot oil in Chinese restaurants in Ghana
It is the Ghanaian equivalent of ketchup and is added to lots of different dishes. However, unlike ketchup most families make their own and the recipes are peculiar to the region and even the town.
From the taste, I indent to fry nuts in it for snacks and use it to cover chicken with before baking but also add a dollop to bland dishes.
Severely Yum
L xx
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