Taste of Senegal
Friday, November 9 & Saturday, November 10 at 7pm
While his catering company, Teranga Catering Without Borders, explores cuisines from around the world, for Chow Club, Chef Cheikh Ndiaye will be sharing some of his favorite dishes from his home in Senegal.
The cuisine of Senegal is a West African with Northern African, French and Portuguese influences and derives from the nation's many ethnic groups, the largest being the Wolof. Cheikh's menu will introduce you to Senegalese street food and a few ingredients that will be new to most of us, like fonio (the "new" quinoa) and Bouye, a juice from the fruit of the Baobab tree.
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Bouye
Juice from the soft, whitish pulp of the fruit of the Baobab tree. This milky superfood is packed with nutrients, including calcium, fiber, and vitamin C. Gluten-Free & Vegan
Fonio Salad
Fonio (Digitaria exilis) is an ancient grain that grows in small pockets throughout West Africa. Also known as “hungry rice,” fonio is the smallest grain in the millet family. It's gluten-free and considered a superfood. Cheikh will toss his fonio with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and fresh parsley and top it with a citrus vinaigrette. Vegan & Gluten-Free
Fataya
Also called pastels, fataya are little packets of fried dough that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. They are a popular afternoon street snack in Senegal. Cheikh will stuff his crispy pastry shells with spiced ground beef. A homemade relish of pickled vegetables will add a little acidity to the dish. Vegan Substitute: Lentil Fataya. Gluten-free versions available on request.
Lamb and Chicken Dibi
Dibi is a favorite street food. Vendors grill the meats and serve them on butcher paper to catch the drippings and seal the flavors. Chargrilled marinated lamb and chicken coated in a tangy mustard-onion sauce. Served with a side of jasmine rice and a relish of caramelized onions, stuffed olives, chickpeas and carrots. Gluten-Free. Vegan Substitute: Grilled Portobello Mushrooms & Root Veggies in an Onion-Mustard Sauce.
Bissap
The national drink of Senegal, bissap is refreshing iced tea made from hibiscus flowers and a hint of mint. Its floral fragrance has a slight tang with citrus undertones. Vegan & Gluten-Free
Thiakry
Thiakry (pronounced cha-kree) is a sweet millet yogurt porridge popular in West Africa reminiscent of rice pudding. Cheikh serves his thiakry with raisins. Vegan version available. Gluten free.