The Liberian Rice Base (rice & soup)
In Liberia, meals are built around a large mound of white rice, over which a thick, hearty sauce (the 'soup') is poured. There is no separation of starter, main course, and dessert: everything converges on this shared rice base, accompanied by spiced drinks and, on the side, small sweet street snacks. The table is arranged from the most substantial (the base) to the lightest.
Signature : Red palm oil
Deep orange color, earthy and slightly smoky flavor: it is the soul of Liberian sauces. It colors cassava leaf and rice, and symbolizes the entire West African forest cuisine that the president wanted to honor on official tables.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the table
1938 — ?
4 period recipes
🧂
EverydayCassava leaf — cassava leaf stew
Soup (base sauce poured over everyday rice)
🧂 🍄· 1 h 45
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🧂
FestiveLiberian Jollof Rice
Festive shared dish (the rice that stands alone)
🧂 🍄 🌶️· 1 h
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🌶️
DrinkLiberian Ginger Beer (ginger drink)
Refreshing beverage for receptions and markets
🌶️ 🍋 🍯· 30 min (+ rest)
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🍯
Street foodKala — Liberian street beignets
Sweet street snack from the market and end of day
🍯· 40 min (+ rising)
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