Echoes of the soul: Exploring the Human Experience

  Cooking is more than a chore; it’s a chance to explore creativity, celebrate flavours, and nourish the soul. A while back, I prepared a dish that embodies this philosophy—a hearty, colorful plate that’s as satisfying to the palate as it is to the eyes. On one side of the plate, you'll find creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly smooth and drizzled with melted butter. The slight hint of pepper and salt in the mash creates a velvety, comforting experience with every bite. Next to it are sweet potato medallions, roasted to perfection. Their natural sweetness was enhanced with a light seasoning before they turned beautifully golden in the oven. The sweetness of the medallions is balanced by roasted carrot sticks, coated in a subtle blend of spices to create a tender, smoky flavor. I went with sautéed beef strips mixed with onions and green bell peppers for protein. The beef was cooked until tender, blending harmoniously with the caramelized onions and the crunch of the bell peppers. The s...

                           Image credit: Tonton Laval - YouTube In the heart of Kinshasa, commune de Ngamba stands as a stark testament to government neglect. Once a place of promise, it has become a community plagued by poverty, health crises, and a lack of basic infrastructure. The absence of essential services like electricity, clean water, and proper waste management has turned Ngamba into a symbol of despair. For the thousands who call it home, every day is a fight for survival.   A community on the brink Ngamba’s narrow pathway are choked with uncollected waste, creating an environment ripe for disease. Pools of stagnant water dot the landscape, becoming breeding grounds for mosquitos and waterborne illnesses. Families live in makeshift shelters surrounded by debris, cut from basic sanitation. Years of governmental mismanagement have left residents without the resources needed to lead dignified lives...