Gemere (Home-made Ginger beer)

As a child I enjoyed going to weddings and other traditional celebrations, because gemere would always be served there. The name gemere is derived from the word Gemerr in the Afrikaans, which  means ginger. Most people in Botswana  refer to it as gemere…with the last ‘e’ pronounced). This traditional drink is the ultimate quench thirster after a day spent in the sun. With only a couple of ingredients, gemere is one of the easiest drinks to make. Also, just a disclaimer this drink, even though referred to as ginger beer, can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. I promise it will not get you drunk or tipsy! with that said, let’s see what we will need to make it:

Gemere served in a jar with mint to garnish
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Phaphatha (flat bread)

With Winter upon us, I am always looking for  some carbs to accompany my Sunday soup or hot chocolate. If you are a bread-lover like me, then this easy flat bread recipe is perfect for you. All you’ll need is some flour, yeast and a frying pan ! Phaphatha is a circular, flattened dumpling from Botswana often in a frying pan. Due to its medium to large size, this bread is usually used as an accompaniment to big meals, though it can be consumed for breakfast or as a snack. This bread is traditionally made in an open fire and placed on cast iron plate to cook. The recipe below yields 40 phaphathas in  just 40 mins.

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Ultimate Menoto with an Old Bay Twist

This spicy menoto /chicken feet recipe brings the Botswana street food into your kitchen for you to enjoy. This amazing appetizer doesn’t have much meat to it but it is packed with  exotic flavor. The use of fresh ginger, rosemary , Old Bay seasoning, and garlic add slightly western flare to this dish. Instead of wings for your next dinner party, try this chicken feet recipe that your guests are sure to love!

Ultimate Menoto with an Old Bay Twist
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You’ve Probably Never Tried These 3 Foods From Botswana

Botswana  is a land of bizarre but tasty food. Below is my list of MUST try food that will definitely leave you asking, do people actually eat that?

1. Phane (Mopane Worms)

Yes you read that right, we love our worms in Botswana — well, mopane worms to be exact. These are pretty, brightly colored caterpillars with little spikes on  their back that feed mainly on the leaves of the mopane tree. They are a  staple source of protein and nutrients for many rural communities in Southern Africa. The caterpillars are hand-picked by mostly women and children straight from the trees. They are  harvested some weeks into the rainy season, just before going into pupation and ultimately turn into the large Emperor moth. 

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