Milk Street Television Season 2 Episode 23 West African Weeknight Supper

In this episode of Christopher Kimball's Milk Street, the focus is on West African cuisine for a weeknight supper. Christopher invites Nik Sharma, author of "Season: Big Flavors, Beautiful Food," to join him in the kitchen to cook up some delicious and easy-to-make dishes inspired by West African flavors and ingredients.

The first dish to get the Milk Street treatment is fufu, a traditional African starch made from starchy vegetables like yams or cassava. Christopher and Nik combine cassava flour with water and knead it into a smooth dough that's perfect for scooping up flavorful stews and soups.

Next up is a groundnut stew, which features peanuts as the star ingredient. The stew is made with chicken and a variety of spices and herbs, including ginger, garlic, and parsley. The result is a rich and comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

For a lighter option, Christopher and Nik whip up a salad with a vibrant dressing made from orange juice, peanut butter, and spices like cardamom and cumin. The salad is packed with bright flavors and textures, thanks to ingredients like sweet potatoes, kale, and roasted peanuts.

Finally, the duo makes a traditional jollof rice, a West African staple that's similar to a tomato-based rice pilaf. Christopher and Nik sauté onions and spices before adding in tomatoes and chicken broth to create a flavorful base for the rice. They finish the dish with a touch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Throughout the show, Christopher and Nik discuss the cultural and culinary significance of West African ingredients and dishes. They also share tips and tricks for getting the most out of the flavors and textures in each dish.

With easy-to-follow instructions and accessible ingredients, this episode of Christopher Kimball's Milk Street is a great introduction to the bold and vibrant flavors of West African cuisine.