The Culinary Corner

 OPINION / 

 

Let me please your palate.

By Dorcas Tabitha Mbuyi

Here’s the thing, I love food. I mean who doesn’t, cooking brings me a lot of pleasure. Have you seen the art behind every detail of ingredients and the different tastes merged to complete a dish?

 

How much do you know about the food you consume and its effects on your health?

 

Firstly, our consumption of food has increased drastically in the past 20 years. We have seen an increase in Westernized styles of food including more fats, meat, and oils, and a more popular one is soft drinks. According to the Food Technology magazine, South Africans and most of the world consume less vegetables. The total percentage of sugar intake was 12,3%, above the initial recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The percentage of salt consumption levels is 8,1 g/day, which is double the recommendation of WHO. What we eat affects more than our physical health but also our mental health which later may immobilize our train of thought.

When I was about nine years old my dad forcefully began teaching me how to prepare what we call fufu (pap). This was the signature dish for all Congolese people. Although my dad had a bit of a temper while teaching me, I was able to learn and cook on my own. 

My journey of cooking was a long and tedious one that led me to discover different palates and cuisines that were unlike what I had been accustomed to. Food has been a means of way to showcase my skills and passion. Imagine just for a second, you're a young African woman that has relocated to a different country. Suddenly, your eyes are exposed to dishes such as mashed potatoes and sausage. I couldn't resist but try it. 

What would you do if you were me? I hope your answer was at least similar to mine. I decided to dive right in and discover the multitudes of tastes that are offered globally. Starting with this divine dish that I've named, "Let Me Please Your Palate". 

Not only are potatoes healthy, they're prepared in a variety of ways. The image itself doesn't do the dish justice. From the plating to the sweet aroma uttered when preparing the meal. This has to be one of my most memorable dishes. 

The potatoes are eloquently dressed in oil that embodies the smoothness of the creamy mash. On top of that, the sugariness from the sweet potatoes enhances the creaminess of the mash. As the two rub against each other sending an aroma that leaves your mouth watery. 

Lastly, the richness of the fresh sausage straight from the butcher contrasts the creaminess of the mash. additionally, it edifies the dish as the sausage adds a mixture of saltiness and spice. 

The perfect dish for any occasion. This might just be a new family tradition for some of you. 

And there you have it- a match made in Heaven! Mashed potatoes and sausage, are a comfort food duo that's sure to become a staple in your household.