in Mali

What are some typical side dishes in Malian cuisine?

Home grown nutritious School meal served for students in SNNPR, Shera primary School, Dasenech woreda, Derhele Village. WFP supported Home-Grown School Feeding Program (HGSFP) was first launched in SNNPR in 2012 targeting 30,673 students located in 37 pre-primary and primary schools in seven woredas of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region with the aim of providing safe, diversified, nutritious and more importantly locally produced school meals to support the regional government increasing school enrollment and retention rates while reducing dropout and school absenteeism of chronically food insecure pastoralist and agropastoral areas of the region. Over the years the program has expanded to increase its project woredas and target schools.I n the last scholastic calendar, first half of 2022, the program was able to reach over 57,000 school aged children attending pre-primary and primary schools in 7 project woredas, six from South Omo Zone and Alle Special woredas. As such the Fresh Food Inclusive School Meal was piloted in 12 targeted schools from two woredas of South Omo Zone (Bena Tsemay and Dassenech woreda) with the objective of filling the nutrient gap encountered with the existing menu. More precisely over 4,000 students have benefited from a diversified nutritious school meal provided by the pilot project that not only fills the students stomach but also their minds. During Sep-Dec 2022 the pilot project has expanded further reaching over 9,000 students with plans to reach over 15,000 students in 34 project schools in 2023. Similarly, WFP has financed and conducted an advocacy work for school gardening activities of the Fresh Food Inclusive School Meal targeted schools which regardless of some challenges has shown to be fruitful whereby most schools were able to produce garden vegetables that can complement the school meals.
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Introduction to Malian Cuisine

Malian cuisine is a reflection of its diverse culture, geography and history. Influenced by the ethnic groups residing in Mali, the cuisine of the country is a mix of African, Arabic and French culinary traditions. Malian cuisine is known for its hearty stews, flavorful sauces, and staple foods such as rice, millet, and sorghum. The cuisine is also known for its use of spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and clove, which are used to add flavor to dishes.

Importance of Side Dishes in Malian Cuisine

Side dishes play an important role in Malian cuisine and are served with almost every meal. They are meant to complement the main dish and add variety to the plate. Side dishes in Malian cuisine can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian and range from rice dishes to vegetable and meat-based preparations. These side dishes are often served in large bowls and shared by everyone at the table, which emphasizes the communal aspect of Malian eating.

Rice Dishes in Malian Cuisine

Rice is a staple food in Mali, and it is often served as a side dish. One of the most popular rice dishes in Malian cuisine is jollof rice, which is made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices. Another popular rice dish is riz gras, which is made with chicken or beef, tomatoes, and onions. Riz gras is typically served with a side of vegetables, such as carrots and green beans.

Vegetable Side Dishes in Malian Cuisine

Vegetables are an important part of Malian cuisine, and they are often used in side dishes. One of the most common vegetable side dishes is mafé, which is made with a peanut sauce and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Another popular side dish is tigadèguèna, which is a cold salad made with boiled potatoes, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes.

Meat and Fish Side Dishes in Malian Cuisine

Malian cuisine features a variety of meat and fish dishes, and these are often served as side dishes. One of the most popular meat side dishes is grilled beef or chicken, which is seasoned with a blend of spices and served with a side of vegetables. Another popular meat side dish is yassa, which is made with marinated chicken or fish in a lemon and onion sauce. Fish is also a popular ingredient in Malian cuisine, and it is often served grilled or fried with a side of vegetables.

Desserts and Beverages in Malian Cuisine

Desserts in Malian cuisine are typically sweet and simple. One popular dessert is rice pudding, which is made with coconut milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Beverages in Malian cuisine are often made from local ingredients such as hibiscus flowers and baobab fruit. One popular beverage is bissap, which is a sweet and tangy drink made from hibiscus flowers. Another popular beverage is dolo, which is a beer made from millet. In conclusion, Malian cuisine is rich and diverse, and side dishes play an important role in adding flavor and variety to meals.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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